Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act; MEPA) Analyst

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Job Description - Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Analyst (260005NK)

Job Description

Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Analyst - (260005NK)

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 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.

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, seeks applicants for an Environmental Analyst V. The Environmental Analyst V will work as a member of the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office. The MEPA Office conducts environmental impact reviews of a broad range of public and private projects. Issues studied include wetlands, coastal resources, ground and surface water quality, water supplies, wastewater treatment and discharge, storm water, solid waste management, traffic, air quality, and archaeological and historical resources.

This position will be responsible for reviewing the full range of projects submitted to the MEPA Office for review. Reviews include analysis of Environmental Notification Forms (ENFs), Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Notices of Project Change (NPCs), Waiver requests, and other filings. The analyst will be asked to conduct public consultation meetings and site visits (both remote and in-person) with proponents, local and state officials, and interested members of the public.

The analyst will also review and analyze filings supplied by proponents, as well as comments submitted by permitting agencies and other commenters, to determine adequacy of filings in consideration of statutory and regulatory requirements. The analyst will draft recommended decisions (certificates) for review by the MEPA Director and Assistant Director, indicating whether a project requires an EIR, issuing a scope of study for EIRs, and evaluating the adequacy of submitted EIRs in responding to any scopes previously issued.

The analyst will assist the MEPA Office in implementing new requirements imposed by Sections 57-60 of Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2021:
An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy.

• Serve as primary reviewer of assigned Environmental Notification Forms and Notices of Project Change, as well as public agency and comments associated with assigned projects. Where further review is required, develop the scope of study and associated information to be included in an EIR.
• Serve as primary reviewer of Environmental Impact Reports as well as agency comments associated with assigned projects.
• Set up, drive to, and conducts public consultation sessions with project proponents, members of the public, agency staff, and local and state officials.
• Prepares recommended decisions for the Secretary and MEPA Director, including all Certificates and correspondence associated with assigned projects.
• Communicates and, coordinates with agency staff (internal and external), elected officials and the public with regard to all aspects of assigned projects under MEPA review.
• Conducts special projects or other duties as assigned (e.g., research assignments,…