Agricultural Climate Energy Specialist (EA III)

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is the state agency responsible for supporting, regulating and enhancing the rich diversity of the Commonwealth’s agricultural community to promote economically and environmentally sound food safety and animal health measures, and fulfill agriculture’s role in energy conservation and production.

Position Overview

MDAR seeks applicants for the position of Agricultural Climate Energy Specialist (EA III) within the Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance (DACTA). The position will support work that advances climate smart initiatives on farms including clean energy and energy efficiency and climate resiliency. The Specialist will have a working knowledge of agriculture and a desire to improve climate resiliency of farm operations in Massachusetts.

The position is full-time and is based in the Southborough, Lakeville or Boston Office. The workplace has recently transitioned to a hybrid work model that includes a combination of working in the office and remotely.   The position will report to the DACTA Division Director and the type of person we are seeking is one who is reliable, detailed oriented, tech-savvy, and has a willingness to learn, ask questions when in doubt, and become a valuable, contributing member of our team.  This person should also have strong writing skills and be able to work with others in a collaborative team environment. The person will work closely with the Department’s Alternative Energy Specialist.

Responsibilities

Specific duties include working with existing staff involved in alternative energy and climate resilience efforts to:

• help the Massachusetts agricultural sector by developing plans, policies, and programs to advance climate mitigation and resiliency primarily in the areas of energy efficiency and renewable energy in the agricultural sector.
• encourage on-farm clean energy, climate mitigation, resiliency, and equity.
• assist in preparation, review and implementation of Department programs that promote energy efficiency, alternative energy and resilient agriculture. Work with staff to identify additional opportunities for funding for MA agriculture. 
• support the Department’s review of applications to energy regulatory programs such as the SMART program.
• prepare and present reports, briefs, and other materials on climate resilience. Plan and develop educational programs, farm tours that emphasize the adaptation and mitigation of climate change practices on Massachusetts State agriculture.
• coordinate and facilitate energy and climate-related forums, events, and workshops.
• consult with MDAR staff and partners such as CET, USDA RD, USDA NRCS, EPA, DOER, DEP, DPU, MassCEC and Farm Bureau as needed.
• participate in local meetings of agricultural stakeholder groups, such as Agricultural Commissions, Conservation Districts and the Farm Bureau to explain the Department programs.  
• complete other tasks as needed and assigned. 

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four 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 two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. 

Substitutions: 

1. 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.* 
2. 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 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 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 completed.

Note: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least four years of related experience, or Master’s degree and at least one - two years of related experience, including project management (e.g., agriculture or environmental management) 
• Working knowledge of status and trends in MA agriculture,
• Demonstrated capacity to learn quickly, adapt, grow, and perform consistently as a self-starter who is detail oriented, well-organized, and able to plan and execute projects from conception to completion.
• Excellent communication skills, including both written and verbal, in person and online.
• Creative and innovative thinking, and willingness to challenge the status quo, propose new ideas, and identify opportunities.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations regarding clean energy, climate, and environmental subject matter.
• Familiarity with agricultural related architectural, mechanical/electrical energy systems
• Familiarity with energy audits and energy technical assessments
• Proven ability to work both independently and as a member of small, matrixed teams in a predominately remote, fast-paced, dynamic, and creative environment with diverse populations.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds, including scientists, economists, industry, regulators, community groups and public policy decision makers.
• Robust computer proficiency, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access and internet research, familiarity with project management programs a plus (i.e., Podio, Asana, Smartsheets, etc.).
• Experience with digital agriculture tools such as Geographic Information System (GIS) for spatial modeling, monitoring and benchmarking metrics such as soil carbon, nutrients, erosion, etc.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to navigate energy and climate data and identify trends.
• Experience multitasking and managing and balancing priorities within project-based work. 

Note: Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume(marked as relevant) to be considered for this position.

Compensation

• Salary is 68,564.34 - 100,370.14 Yearly

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.

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