Administrator, Environmental Protection

Department

Department of Environmental Management

Division

Environmental Services

Salary

$ - $

Job Profile

JC-- Administrator, Environmental Protection (DEM) (Non-Union Executive Branch)

Scheduled Work Days & Work Hours

The Administrator of Groundwater and Freshwater Wetlands role requires a blend of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of groundwater hydrology, hydrogeology, freshwater wetland ecology, and environmental engineering principles related to on-site wastewater treatment, groundwater protection, and site development. They should have a strong understanding of Rhode Island and federal environmental laws, regulations, permitting requirements, and water quality standards, along with experience evaluating the environmental impacts of land development, wastewater discharges, stormwater management, and wetland alterations.

The candidate should demonstrate ability to oversee complex environmental permitting programs, balancing environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs, and managing regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, and administrative appeals. Strong leadership skills are essential, including experience managing multidisciplinary teams and budgets, while driving operational improvements through performance metrics and process enhancements. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to collaborate with municipalities, developers, consulting engineers, environmental organizations, and the public, and must possess a Rhode Island Professional Engineer (PE) license along with significant environmental program leadership experience.

Job

Requisition Number

JR102419 Administrator, Environmental Protection (DEM) (Open)

Pay Grade

C00140 A

Classification

Administrator, Environmental Protection (DEM)

Class Definition

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
To plan and administer a statewide environmental regulatory program consistent with the jurisdiction of an assigned DEM functional unit/office; to monitor, preserve, protect and improve the air, water or land resources of the state to promote the public health, welfare and safety, prevent injury or detriment to human, plant and animal life, physical property and other resources, and to foster the comfort and convenience of the state's inhabitants;

and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Works under the broad direction of the Deputy Director responsible for the Bureau of Environmental Protection with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in carrying out the objectives of the program; work is reviewed and evaluated through periodic reports and conferences.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises and evaluates the work of professional, technical, paraprofessional and other staff in the unit/office.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

As it relates to all assignments:

* To plan and administer a statewide environmental regulatory program consistent with the jurisdiction of an assigned DEM functional unit/office; to monitor, preserve, protect and improve the air, water or land resources of the state to promote the public health, welfare and safety, prevent injury or detriment to human, plant and animal life, physical property and other resources, and to foster the comfort and convenience of the state's inhabitants;

and to do related work as required.

* To prepare and administer an annual budget for the DEM functional unit/office including application for, and management of, federal grants and other grants and accounts.

* To confer with federal officials, other state agencies, contractors, stakeholders, and/or neighboring state officials on the implementation and coordination of programs and initiatives.

* To develop office policies and procedures, and propose new and modified rules, regulations, and legislation as it relates to programs within the assigned office.

* To prepare testimony for legislative hearings concerning subjects under the jurisdiction of the assigned office.

* To communicate and coordinate with other entities within the Department regarding application cross functions to include planning, assessment, policy and enforcement actions.

* To attend and participate in meetings, conferences, committees, and teams relating to the activities of enforcing the state's laws and regulations and to represent the department at such meetings.

* To provide overall management of the DEM functional unit/office including but not limited to supervision of staff; training and development of employees; management of purchases, contracts, and agreements; coordination and communication with senior leadership of the Department.

* To regularly evaluate business processes with the DEM functional unit/office and undertake actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, including the development of innovative approaches to addressing emerging issues.

* To conduct…