Position Description
The Technical Specialist will oversee and implement Mass Rivers’ technical programming to protect river flow and water quality statewide and manage two main technical assistance programs:
1.Streamflow Protection Program. The Technical Specialist will play a lead role in Mass Rivers’ streamflow protection work by working closely with external partners (e.g. Mass Rivers’ member organizations, and state and federal agencies) to develop and implement strategies to protect and restore streamflow, water quality, and wildlife habitat, to increase climate resilience and improve environmental justice. Tasks include:
Developing guidance and policy to improve water resources management in Massachusetts;
Reviewing water withdrawal requests made by municipalities and analyzing potential environmental impacts, commenting on draft Water Management Act permits, tracking timelines and deadlines to facilitate the inclusion of environmental groups’ input into permit decisions.;
Leading the River Rescue Technical Advisory Group (RRTAG), a standing committee of Mass Rivers staff, board, and outside experts that advises the Technical Specialist on the use of the Water Management Act and other tools and strategies to protect stream flow around the state;
Supporting Mass Rivers’ legal work to protect streamflow;
Engaging in public outreach around streamflow; and
Developing and implementing other projects to protect streamflow.
2. Stormwater Management Program. The Technical Specialist will grow Mass Rivers’ Stormwater Management Program by leading the organization’s stormwater advocacy work. The Technical Specialist will develop and manage projects to help Massachusetts municipalities fund and implement nature-based stormwater solutions. Tasks include:
Developing workshops and/or webinars on a variety of stormwater topics (e.g., guidance on stormwater regulatory requirements, maintenance of stormwater best management practices, stormwater utilities, and regional collaboration on stormwater management);
Working with external partners to review stormwater permits and regulations (e.g. EPA’s MS4 Permit and the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act regulations) and develop comments to improve stormwater management;
Facilitating stakeholder and/or advisory group(s) to guide technical projects and policy recommendations that advance climate resilience work statewide; and
Other projects to reduce pollution from stormwater statewide.
General responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Convening and facilitating monthly peer-to-peer meetings for water quality scientists statewide as part of our Mass Rivers Connects program;
Visiting member organizations annually to learn about their work and see how Mass Rivers can better serve its membership.;
Recruiting and managing interns to support Mass Rivers’ Technical Assistance Programs;
Working with our staff and board to provide content for our website, public outreach materials, and support for events or other projects as needed;
Writing grant applications and overseeing grant-funded projects;
Writing research briefs and reports; and
Representing Mass Rivers on external committees and task forces as needed.
Qualifications
The Technical Specialist should have a strong interest in river protection, relevant prior science knowledge (hydrology, geosciences, ecology, water resources management, etc.), legal/ environmental consulting, regulatory agency experience, or a combination of these. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus two or more years of relevant work experience is required, but a master’s degree and/or additional work experience is strongly preferred. GIS skills are preferred, but are not required.
Applicants should have a thorough understanding of watershed science, and an understanding of how municipal, state, and federal governments intersect. The ideal candidate will bring creative ideas to the table.
The candidate should be self-motivated and must have excellent writing, analytical, communication and interpersonal skills, including group facilitation skills. They must be comfortable analyzing and interpreting scientific data, and should be able to apply regulatory requirements to real-life situations. They should also enjoy working in a small organization. Comfort with public speaking is preferred.
The candidate should have a working familiarity with the federal Clean Water Act programs (wastewater and stormwater), as well as some familiarity with major Massachusetts laws affecting rivers such as: the Water Management Act, the Interbasin Transfer Act, and the Wetlands Protection Act.
Compensation, Location, Hours
This is a salaried position of $60,000 minimum annually depending on qualifications and experience. Mass Rivers follows a hybrid work schedule; staff are currently in office on Tuesdays and Thursday. Our office is located in Somerville, MA.
The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance is a statewide non-profit with over 80 member groups dedicated to protecting and restoring the rivers and streams of the Commonwealth. Healthy rivers enhance climate resilience for communities by reducing flood risk, providing water supply, and supporting outdoor recreation. Mass Rivers is using advocacy, technical assistance, and community building to achieve this mission. The organization has strong relationships with lawmakers, state agencies, and non-profits of all sizes. Learn more about our work.
Please send a resume and cover letter to Monica Driggers, Senior Program Director, at: monicadriggers@massriversalliance.org. We will accept applications until the position is filled.
The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.