Chief Biodiversity Officer

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.

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

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency within EEA responsible for conservation of the state's natural resources including marine and freshwater fisheries, endangered species, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.

In 2023, DFG was tasked by Governor Healey with developing Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals to protect and restore biodiversity, pursuant to Executive Order 618:
Biodiversity Conservation in Massachusetts. Goals encompass habitat protection and restoration, economic vitality, workforce development, environmental education, and municipal and state best practices.

The DFG Chief Biodiversity Officer is responsible for providing the structure for state agencies and partners to advance these Goals. The Officer will coordinate with external stakeholders and executive branch Departments. Duties of this position will include development of implementation plans, project tracking, policy development, coordination within and between government agencies, planning and implementation of the Office, grant management, and ongoing project analysis and development.

The Chief Biodiversity Officer reports to the Assistant Commissioner of Climate Policy and Strategic Initiatives of the Department of Fish and Game.

Applicants should have a strong scientific and government policy background, knowledge of conservation and biodiversity protection issues, experience working with stakeholders, experience implementing projects and/or developing or analyzing related policies for natural resources, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks is important.

• 60% – Lead implementation of Massachusetts biodiversity goals, including development and reporting of metrics, development and refinement of policy and funding tools, and coordination between agencies and partners. Coordinate and support biodiversity monitoring efforts.
• 25% – Manage Community Biodiversity Grants or other programs.
• 10% – Build and maintain relationships with partners including non-profit organizations, municipalities, state and federal agencies, researchers and academic institutions. Manage external partnerships and internal inter‑agency task force.
• 5% – Other duties, as assigned.

At the direction of the Assistant Commissioner, the Chief Biodiversity Officer makes decisions about specific elements of the structure of the Office of Biodiversity and the tracking and implementation of goals, including metrics, communication tools, project selection, and monitoring. Additionally, the Officer will manage the reporting structure between contractors, consultants, and internal staff and review and approve work products. The Officer recommends program goals, priorities, budget, and structure to the Assistant Commissioner and Commissioner and also manages the Community Biodiversity Grants Program.

The Officer will work closely with the Department of Fish and Game Chief of Staff,…