Job Description

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources. MassDEP\xe2\x80\x99s mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth\xe2\x80\x99s natural resources \xe2\x80\x93 air, water, and land \xe2\x80\x93 to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission, MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth; provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Office of Research and Standards (ORS) of the Bureau of Planning and Evaluation (BPE) seeks applicants for the position of Chief of the Office of Research and Standards Research Division. ORS provides scientific leadership to all MassDEP programs on the health and environmental impacts and risks posed by pollutants in all media, including PFAS and other emerging contaminants, and directly supports MassDEP\xe2\x80\x99s mission to protect human health and environmental quality.

This position serves as the Chief of the Research Division in the Office of Research and Standards and will be responsible for establishing and managing an effective research program addressing PFAS, emerging contaminants, other priority environmental contaminants and special projects. This position reports to the ORS Director.

Applicants should have expert knowledge in scientific disciplines relating to environmental and public health research focused on PFAS, emerging contaminants and other priority environmental issues with demonstrated success in designing, securing funding, implementing and managing collaborative research programs and projects.

This position will be based in MassDEP\xe2\x80\x99s Boston Office at 100 Cambridge Street.

Duties for this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

Establish a collaborative and integrated research program addressing PFAS and other emerging contaminants across ORS and the Wall Experient Station (WES) and with other groups.

\xc2\xb7 Expand collaborative laboratory and data-based research efforts in ORS and WES.

\xc2\xb7 Establish and expand research connections and collaboration with the academic community, USEPA, other state agencies and other DEP Bureaus.

\xc2\xb7 Identify, recommend and implement research projects that align with ORS, WES and DEP priorities, capacities and funding.

\xc2\xb7 Coordinate research projects between ORS and WES and other Bureaus/groups.

\xc2\xb7 Collaborate with research partners on all research efforts.

\xc2\xb7 Assist ORS, WES, the regional offices and other DEP programs in assessing and developing internal and external research projects as appropriate.

\xc2\xb7 Develop environmental justice and community-based research efforts addressing environmental contaminants.

Identify and pursue research funding via internal and external sources and prepare all aspects of grant applications and ensure timely submittals.

Supervise the implementation of research projects to ensure they are within budget, completed on schedule, and generate quality data.

\xc2\xb7 Keep ORS, WES, Bureau and other DEP senior managers informed of Division work through regular meetings, briefing documents, and presentations as requested.

\xc2\xb7 Resolve technical, personnel and contract issues related to research projects.

\xc2\xb7 Develop and implement methodologies and procedures for managing research efforts and for the accumulation, assessment, and management of scientific data.

\xc2\xb7 Advise, develop, and manage research projects pertinent to MassDEP programs on contaminants and parameters in the Massachusetts environment.

\xc2\xb7 Prepare scopes of work and contracts and manage external contacts as necessary.

\xc2\xb7 Complete research reports and results for publication, including publication in-house and in peer-reviewed journals.

Translate and communicate research results to senior DEP staff and other policy and regulatory leads and the public.

\xc2\xb7 Conduct meetings and confer with federal, state and municipal agencies to inform and coordinate activities.

\xc2\xb7 Write and edit technical, policy and regulatory related documents.

\xc2\xb7 Represent ORS on internal and external workgroups.

\xc2\xb7 Participate in senior staff meetings to identify and contribute to policy and guidance, as needed.

\xc2\xb7 Recommend projects aimed at expanding and strengthening research efforts to address PFAS and other contaminants in various media.

Provide technical and research support to ORS, WES and other DEP programs.

\xc2\xb7 Complete reports and environmental analysis activities in support of policy development.

\xc2\xb7 Provide technical assistance regarding internal and external research projects for Bureau, ORS, WES and other DEP project managers.

\xc2\xb7 Evaluate research on human health, environmental impacts, and risk assessment methods and practices.

\xc2\xb7 Assist in reviewing requests for ORS, WES or DEP support on research projects.

\xc2\xb7 Interpret research results by other groups and oversee the preparation of memoranda summarizing findings and making recommendations related to the work.

\xc2\xb7 Analyze scientific reports, studies and data on environmental and health impacts, contaminant fate and transport and other processes.

\xc2\xb7 As requested, review environmental consulting service proposals and contracts and recommend changes to technical specifications.

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Performing other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications and Work Experience: * Advanced knowledge of multiple scientific disciplines with a focus on research on PFAS and other emerging contaminants. Relevant disciplines may include risk assessment, exposure assessment, microbiology, statistical analysis, ecology, toxicology, chemistry, machine learning, database development and use and environmental policy, as evidenced by publications, advanced degrees and certifications in appropriate fields and/or directly related professional experience.

2. Demonstrated success in establishing and implementing research on PFAS, emerging contaminants or other priority environmental contaminants.

3. Demonstrated success in developing research grant applications and securing research funding. * Demonstrated ability to manage complex research projects and to work cooperatively with multiple people and diverse groups.

• Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
• Knowledge of the elements of laboratory quality control and quality assurance project plans (QAPPS).
• Experience or training in reviewing the validity of study statistical approaches.
• Experience publishing research findings.
• Ability to effectively supervise scientific staff, manage multiple projects to meet deadlines and adapt to externally driven work demands and deadlines.
• Excellent public speaking skills and ability to make presentations on contentious issues to diverse audiences.
• Ability to analyze complex information and data and apply it to policy and regulatory decisions and assessments.
• Ability to translate highly technical information to non-technical audiences.
• Facility with Microsoft software applications, spreadsheets and database execution.
• Ability to drive to attend meetings at diverse locations.

Qualifications

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

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) 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 which (B) at least five years must have been in a professional capacity, and of which (C) at least three years must have been in a supervisory, managerial or administrative capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the following substitutions.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate\'s degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Bachelor\'s degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Graduate degree with a major in environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually competed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience. No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.

Comprehensive Benefits

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.

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An Equal Opportunity / 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. 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.

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