Environmental Analyst V

Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 93,270 - 137,394; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Environmental Protection, Worcester-based Data Management and Water Quality Assessment Section Chief seeks an Environmental Analyst V to lead statewide surface water quality assessment and data management efforts.

The role requires strong supervisory skills, expertise in QA/QC, data systems (EQuIS, MABenthos), and the ability to coordinate with EPA and MassDEP programs to deliver defensible regulatory decisions and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of the Clean Water Act and EPA 303(d)/305(b).
• Experience with water quality data management and QA/QC.
• Ability to supervise professional staff and manage programs.
• Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Proficiency with GIS and database systems.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff responsible for statewide surface water quality assessments.
• Oversee QA/QC activities to ensure data quality and regulatory compliance.
• Lead meetings, set priorities, and improve data systems and workflows.
• Manage water quality databases and tools like EQuIS and MABenthos.
• Develop assessment methodologies and CALM guidance.
• Coordinate with EPA and MassDEP programs for integrated decisions.
• Represent program in meetings and communicate assessment outcomes.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Data management

QA/QC

GIS

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Project management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental field

Graduate degree in environmental field

Associate’s degree in environmental field

Tools

EQuIS

MABenthos

GIS

MS Office

Job description

Job Title

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

Agency

Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)

Location

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

Work Schedule

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

Job Description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Key Qualifications

• 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 collaboratively as part of a management team while balancing diverse staff strengths, competing priorities, limited resources, and production deadlines.
• Strong program planning, project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high‑quality results.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, perform critical analysis, solve complex problems, and develop practical, data‑driven solutions.
• Thorough understanding of program objectives, deliverables, and regulatory requirements necessary to achieve timely, accurate, and scientifically defensible outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising a technical staff focused on water quality assessment and data management.
• Experience with EQuIS, MABenthos, or similar water quality data management systems.
• Experience developing integrated listing and assessment methodologies and documenting integration of scientific data into regulatory decisions.
• Experience coordinating program planning, capital projects, and interagency stakeholder engagement.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

• Applicants must have at least six years of full‑time, or equivalent part‑time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology, or public health.
• Of that experience, at least four years must have been in a professional capacity.
• At least two years must have been in a supervisory, managerial, or administrative capacity.

Substitutions may be considered for educational qualifications as follows:

1. Associate’s degree in an environmental field may replace up to one year of required experience.
2. Bachelor’s degree in an environmental field may replace up to two years of required experience.
3. Graduate degree in an environmental field may replace up to three years of required experience and one year of professional experience.

Note: Educational substitutions are only permitted for a maximum of one year of the required professional experience. No substitutions will be permitted for supervisory or managerial experience.

Application Requirements

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process.

First consideration will be given to applicants who apply within the first 14 days.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity / Aff and affirmative 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.

Disability Accommodation

If you have diversity, affirmative action or equal employment opportunity questions or need a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Chris Mendez ([e-mail] – 617‑872‑7730).

Salary

93,270.84 – 137,394.40 yearly