Director, Wetlands & Waterways Division

Description

Who We Are

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.  Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxic and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Description:

MassDEP’s Bureau of Water Resources is seeking an experienced manager and environmental professional to serve as Director of the Wetlands and Waterways Division. The Division team of about 30 staff consists of the Wetlands and the Waterways Programs and is responsible for statewide implementation of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, aspects of Section 401 of the federal Clean Water Act, and the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act and their respective regulations.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage implementation of the Wetlands and Waterways Programs. Oversee core program elements (e.g., promote statewide consistency for implementation of wetlands and waterways statute and regulations, Boston-based permitting/licensing, etc.), identify and oversee implementation of other key program initiatives; meet with regulated entities, municipal officials, legislators, public interest groups and other stakeholders on specific issues; and develop proposals to seek capital and federal funding for Division projects.

• Manage the development and/or revision of program regulations, policies, and guidance in accordance with senior management direction. Propose program objectives for approval, develop and propose general approach/options, resolve conflicts, and brief the Assistant Commissioner.

• Supervise 3-5 direct reports who implement the Waterways Program, the Wetlands Program (with its several Units), and who coordinate the Division’s programmatic, fiscal, and administrative functions. Indirectly manage ~ 30 Boston Division staff. Oversee other personnel matters including recruitment and hiring.

• Represent the Division to outside stakeholders, including other federal and state agencies (e.g., USEPA, USACE, DOT, DCR, DFG), municipalities/Conservation Commissions, the regulated community, the public, and various interest groups including MACC, MSMCP, and environmental NGOs.

• Provide management support to, and respond to requests from the Assistant Commissioner, Commissioner’s Office, and Wetlands and Waterways Regional staff.

• Through the Assistant Commissioner, coordinate with MassDEP senior staff to provide Division input to MassDEP policies, operations and implementation of relevant Programs.

• Other duties, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with the principles and strategies of organization, program, and project management, including leveraging influence and gaining buy-in within an organization, workload prioritization and delegation, linking long-range visions and concepts to daily work, and client relations.

• Ability to effectively supervise individuals and manage teams, including encouraging cooperative problem solving, establishing operating and/or reporting relations to support productivity and development, and fostering a culture of diversity, respect, and inclusion.

• Experience with complex state and/or federal environmental policy and regulation as a permit applicant, regulator, advocate, etc.

• Direct knowledge of (MGL C. 131, sec 40) and associated Regulations (310 CMR 10.00), the Federal and Massachusetts Clean Waters Acts (MGL C. 21, sec 27), 401WQC (314 CMR 9.00), the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MGL C. 30, sec 61) and associated regulations (301 CMR 11.00), and the Massachusetts Public Waterfront Act (Chapter 91), preferred.

• Ability to exercise tactful negotiation and excellent problem-solving skills to resolve conflict among a broad range of constituents with competing interests.

• Ability to analyze complex information, draw conclusions, and summarize effectively for public audiences.

• Ability to adjust to changing situations and be flexible to meet emergency or changing program requirements.

• Ability to build and/or maintain friendly, reciprocal, professional relationships and networks of contacts.

• General computer proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software, and web-based platforms.

• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Program Manager VIII

Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street

Job: Environmental and Energy

Agency: Department of Environmental Protection

Schedule: Full-time

Shift: Day

Job Posting: Nov 9, 2026, 6:23:10 PM

Number of Openings: 1

Salary: 111,961.20 - 173,020.79 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Chris Mendez / EEADiversity@mass.gov - 6178727730

Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential: No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes