Environmental Analyst V

Job Title

Data Management and Water Quality Assessment Section Chief (Environmental Analyst V)

Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

Worcester, Massachusetts (Watershed Planning Program’s office, 8 New Bond St)

Full‑time; hybrid (minimum 7.5 hours per week on site, remainder telework)

The Section Chief oversees assessment, data management, and quality assurance staff to ensure timely and accurate reporting of surface water quality conditions in Massachusetts under the Clean Water Act.

• Supervise technical staff responsible for statewide surface water quality assessments, 303(d) listing decisions, and water quality data management.
• Oversee quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure data collection, management, analysis, and designated use assessments meet performance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Lead staff meetings, coordinate priorities, and promote continuous improvement of data management systems, workflows, processes, and resources to support timely data validation and assessment activities.
• Manage and enhance water quality databases and data management tools, including EQuIS, MABenthos, and other internal and external data systems.
• Direct the development and implementation of assessment methodologies, protocols, and guidance for lakes, rivers, and estuaries, including the biennial Massachusetts Consolidated Assessment and Listing Mandates (CALM) guidance manual.
• Oversee assessment workflows, review and approve water quality assessment and Integrated Listing decisions, and ensure scientifically defensible, transparent documentation, including preparation of the biennial Integrated Report.
• Coordinate assessment and listing activities with internal MassDEP programs, including the Surface Water Quality Standards and TMDL Sections, to ensure consistent and integrated decision‑making.
• Collaborate with federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies, including EPA, to coordinate water quality assessment, data management, and related environmental protection initiatives.
• Manage communication and public dissemination of assessment decisions, technical information, and related content through the MassDEP website and other outreach channels.
• Coordinate program planning with Watershed Planning Program leadership and Bureau management, developing strategic plans, procedures, and resources to support program goals.
• Manage capital projects related to water quality monitoring, data management, and assessment activities while providing technical support to MassDEP programs and EPA as needed.
• Represent the Watershed Planning Program and MassDEP in meetings with EPA, government agencies, stakeholders, and the public, and provide leadership on additional program initiatives as needed.

• Extensive knowledge of the Clean Water Act, Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards, and EPA requirements related to Sections 303(d) and 305(b).
• Strong knowledge of watershed science, environmental protection and restoration, ecology, aquatic biology, public health, and water quality assessment principles.
• Demonstrated expertise in scientific data collection, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), data compilation, analysis, and interpretation of complex biological, chemical, and physical datasets.
• Proficiency in data management systems, GIS, web‑based applications, and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to develop and implement innovative tools, technologies, and processes to improve data management, analysis, and program efficiency.
• Excellent written, verbal, editing, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate technical information effectively to EPA, MassDEP, government partners, stakeholders, and the public.
• Demonstrated experience building partnerships and collaborating with federal, state, local, and other stakeholders to support water resource protection and stewardship.
• Strong supervisory, leadership, and team‑building skills, with experience planning, assigning, coordinating, motivating, and evaluating the work of professional staff.
• Proven ability to work…