Assistant Commissioner - Bureau of Water Resources

Massachusetts Department of Public Health; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 122,000 - 189,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection in Massachusetts seeks an Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Water Resources. The role provides statewide leadership for wastewater, wetlands, waterways, drinking water, and related programs, guiding policy, budgets, and regulatory development.

You will supervise senior staff, engage with external partners including EPA and regional groups, and help deliver critical investments in water infrastructure while advancing resilience and

Qualifications

• Seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience.
• At least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the implementation of the Wastewater, Wetlands, Waterways, Water Quality Certification, Drinking Water, Watershed Planning, Water Management, and State Revolving Fund Programs.
• Direct the development and revision of program regulations, policies, guidance, and grant programs.
• Coordinate with MassDEP leadership and external stakeholders; represent the Bureau with federal/state agencies, municipalities and the public.

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description - Assistant Commissioner - Bureau of Water Resources (260005W7)

Job Description

Assistant Commissioner - Bureau of Water Resources - ( 260005W7 )

Description

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.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxics and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.

Who We Are as an Employer:

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.

MassDEP is seeking an Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of Water Resources. The Assistant Commissioner is responsible for statewide implementation of the agency’s water-related programs, and will be responsible for key initiatives including those related to development of updated PFAS Drinking Water Standards; developing and updating wetlands regulations that promote permit streamlining, ecological restoration, and climate change resilience; piloting PFAS destruction and reduction technologies for wastewater and sludge; reduction of combined sewer overflow discharges; and the issuance of approximately $1 billion in water infrastructure loans annually. The Assistant Commissioner oversees the implementation of all of MassDEP water-related programs; directs the development and revision of program regulations, policies, guidance, and grant programs; supervises senior Bureau staff; represents MassDEP and the Bureau with outside stakeholders; and provides management and technical support to the Commissioner’s Office, Bureau staff, Regional Directors, Regional staff, and other MassDEP staff.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Bureau Program Oversight: Oversee the implementation of the Wastewater, Wetlands, Waterways, Water Quality Certification, Drinking Water, Watershed Planning, Water Management, and State Revolving Fund Programs. Identify and approve program initiatives; resolve regulatory and policy conflicts; develop budgets; approve expenditures from capital funds; and meet with regulated entities, municipal officials, legislators, public interest groups, and other stakeholders on site-specific issues.
• Regulations, Policies, Guidance, and Grants: Direct the development and/or revision of program regulations, policies, guidance, and grant programs. Set program objectives, determine the general approach, decide among options developed, resolve conflicts, and brief and coordinate with the Commissioner’s Office.
• Leadership and Supervision: Supervise 8–9 direct reports who implement specific aspects of the Bureau’s programs. Indirectly manage more than 150 BWR-Boston staff.
• External Representation and Stakeholder Engagement: Represent MassDEP and the Bureau to outside stakeholders, including other federal and state agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Conservation and Recreation, Department of Fish and Game, and Department of Public Health; municipalities; the regulated community; the public; and various interest groups. Actively participate in national and regional environmental organizations, including the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission and NEIWPCC.
• Management and Technical Support: Provide management and technical support, as needed, to the Commissioner’s Office, BWR-Boston staff, Regional Directors, BWR-Regional staff, and other MassDEP staff. Coordinate with MassDEP senior staff to provide Bureau input to MassDEP policies, operations, and implementation of other MassDEP programs, and seek corresponding input on BWR activities from senior staff.
• Program and Policy Decision-Making: Make decisions regarding regulation and policy proposals, including broad direction and specific language; grant programs designed to support MassDEP priorities; and new areas of scientific research. Develop recommendations for new program initiatives and permitting decisions.
• Cross-Agency and External Coordination: Coordinate with USEPA Water Programs staff on Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, State Revolving Fund, and other related matters. Coordinate with agencies from other Secretariats on program and policy development and implementation. Maintain relationships with regional organizations and stakeholder groups representing water suppliers, watershed organizations, municipalities, regulated entities, and other interests.
• Public and Constituent Engagement: Meet with members of the general public regarding proposed regulations and at site-specific public meetings. Respond to or coordinate responses to inquiries from the press, elected officials, and individuals with case-specific questions, remaining involved as needed until issues are addressed.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to balance competing priorities and manage high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and high-profile initiatives.

Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, including identifying budget and staffing needs.

Knowledge of budget development practices and funding requirements and constraints.

Ability to effectively manage staffing and resources in a changing or limited-resource environment.

Ability to establish goals, drive continuous improvement, and promote excellence.

Ability to identify and address current and future problems and opportunities through sound analysis and decision-making.

Ability to work effectively with others, build collaborative relationships, and foster teamwork.

Ability to motivate, persuade, influence, and gain buy-in from individuals and groups.

Ability to make decisions and accomplish objectives when few precedents or guidelines are available.

Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and respond effectively to emergency or evolving program needs.

Knowledge of effective supervisory principles, practices, and techniques, including assigning and organizing work.

Ability to analyze program data, draw conclusions, and make appropriate recommendations.

Ability to identify and develop diverse talent and support employee growth and career development.

• Ability to foster a culture of diversity, respect, inclusion, and excellent customer service while maintaining professional relationships and protecting sensitive information.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) seven (7) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least three (3) years must have been in a managerial capacity.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Primary Location

Job

Environmental and Energy

Agency

Department of Environmental Protection

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 28, 2026, 2:55:48 PM

Number of Openings

1

Salary

121,867.30 - 188,708.00 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affinitive Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Chris Mendez / [e-mail] - 6178727730

Bargaining Unit : M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes