Environmental Planner

~ Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), established by statute in 1963, is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston, an area of 3.2 million people with 101 cities and towns. ~

Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration, which includes protecting the environment, supporting economic development, encouraging sustainable land use, improving transportation, bolstering affordable housing, ensuring public safety, advancing equity and opportunity among people of all backgrounds, and fostering collaboration among municipalities. In addition to our local and regional planning work, MAPC maintains an active effort to influence public policy, program design, and spending priorities on the state and federal levels.

We are guided by MetroFuture: Making a Greater Boston Region, our regional policy plan for a more sustainable and equitable future, which was adopted in 2008, and by the agency's Strategic Plan, which was adopted in 2014. For more information about MAPC, MetroFuture, and the Strategic Plan, visit MAPC and Metro Future.

Position Overview

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks candidates for an Environmental Planner position in the Environment Department. This individual will work on a variety of projects, including topics such as stormwater management, Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development, integrated water management, natural hazards mitigation, climate adaptation and resilience, Environmental Justice, open space and habitat protection, and Environmental Impact Reviews of proposed developments.

The Environmental Planner will work closely with municipal governments and state and federal agencies, as well as community-based organizations, in both urban and suburban settings. Typically, projects focus on providing technical assistance to communities to promote sustainable and equitable management of land and water resources, as well as ways to minimize or avoid negative impacts to natural systems.

The Environmental Planner will often work with partners on implementation of these plans. In addition to technical assistance, the Environmental Planner will also help to design and advance the agency's public policy agenda in the environmental field. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Responsibilities

• Assist municipalities to develop and implement resource management and sustainable land use plans and strategies;
• Provide technical guidance, training, or assistance to municipal officials and MAPC staff regarding best practices for environmental protection;
• Help cities and towns to prepare for major environmental challenges, such as climate change, stormwater management, and protection of critical natural areas;
• Prepare Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans for cities and towns under FEMA guidelines;
• Assist in efforts to address the environmental risks and challenges facing vulnerable populations, such as low-income, elderly, and people with disabilities;
• Work with Government Affairs staff to develop and advance policy positions related to environmental issues, on the state and federal level;
• Make public presentations and facilitate public discussions; communicate findings of environmental studies to municipal officials, other professionals, and community partners;
• Prepare maps, schematics, and diagrams to communicate plans, often with Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
• Work with the Environment Director and department staff to ensure the sustained funding of the environment work plan through successful resource development, including both grant funding and fee-for-service contracts;
• Collaborate on environmental issues with state and federal agencies, non-profit advocacy and research groups, and community-based organizations; and
• Evening meetings, occasional weekend meetings, and local travel are a responsibility for this position.

Qualifications

Candidates for Environmental Planner must have either:

• Bachelor's Degree in regional or environmental planning or science, natural resources management, or a closely related field, plus at least 4 years of relevant job experience; or
• Master's Degree in one of those fields, plus at least 2 years of relevant job experience.

Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:

• Current best planning practices for sustainable resource management in areas such as water resources, climate adaptation and resiliency planning, and Green Infrastructure/Low Impact Development;
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and programs, such as the Clean Water Act, the MS4 Stormwater Permit, FEMA's Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program, Environmental Justice efforts, the Massachusetts Sustainable Water Management Initiative, and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act and permitting process;
• Understanding of local bylaws/ordinances to promote sustainable management of water and other natural resources, climate adaptation, and green infrastructure;
• A strong understanding of spatial relationships, and analysis of land use and other elements of the built environment;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with MAPC team members, community groups, and government officials;
• Strong facilitation and collaboration skills; experience handling public involvement and agency coordination with stakeholders and other professionals; and
• Grant writing ability, as well as the ability to scope, budget, and manage new projects.

Compensation: This is a full time position. The starting salary ranges from $60,000 - $80,000, depending on qualifications and experience. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment.

To Apply

• Please click below: "Apply On Company Website"
• A review of applications will begin immediately. The position is open until filled. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Those who are interviewed will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a writing sample or other relevant work product.
• Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region.