Regional Director, Quabbin & Ware River Watersheds

~ The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. ~

The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, campgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, golf courses, trails and parkways.

Position Overview

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Regional Director for the Quabbin Section of the Water Supply Protection Division.

The Regional Director reports to the Director of Water Supply Protection and has responsibility for the operation of a Reservoir and watershed regions within the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This individual directs the management of the metropolitan Boston water supply reservoirs and oversees the implementation of Watershed Protection Plans for each of two watersheds under his/her control (Quabbin and Ware River Watersheds).

Quabbin Reservoir is the largest water supply reservoir in New England, one of very few unfiltered water system reservoirs in the country, and one of the Commonwealth's greatest assets. This planning and implementation delineates long and short term goals for watershed and resource protection, and ensures that protection activities, land and facility management and capital spending plans adhere to defined plans. The Regional Director develops a budget and determines the allocation of resources for the region's programs and initiatives.

This position oversees all regional administrative services which provide support for the districts within the region. The Regional Director works closely with the Director to develop agency policies and is responsible for authorizing the implementation of such policy. The Regional Director works directly with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in joint projects and programs of Reservoir Management and Watershed Protection. The Regional Director oversees public outreach to and developing partnerships with state, local and federal governments, non-profits, businesses and community organizations to further the Division's statutory mission.

The Regional Director, in conjunction with an Assistant Regional Director, manages a large work force of approximately 75 full-time scientists, engineers, tradespeople, rangers, interpretative service, foresters, planners, and support staff.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the daily administration and operation of a geographically broad region and the short and long term policy and planning for operations, staffing, water supply and natural resource protection and customer service for a number of managed districts.
• Oversee numerous facilities and/or structures within the region and plan directives for maintenance, enhancements, reconstruction in accordance with an aging infrastructure and buildings of historical significance.
• Oversee and manage regional spending plan initiatives in accordance with Water Supply Protection Trust operational and capital budgets
• Oversee management of Reservoirs and watersheds to maintain compliance with Safe Water Drinking Act, Filtration Avoidance Criteria and implementation of Watershed Protection Plans.
• Direct and oversee cultural and natural resources of the region including supervision of environmental and water quality protection programs, watershed ranger, forest management and coordination, parkways and reservations; provide interpretive services to Watershed visitors and area schools.
• Oversee the implementation of Watershed Protection Regulations (350 CMR 11.00) to ensure watershed protection goals are met.
• Oversee dam and dike inspections, monitoring and upkeep in compliance with federal and state laws, and work with MWRA's Reservoir Operations on dam safety projects at Winsor Dam and Goodnough Dike.
• Develop policy and strategize with Director to promulgate the mission and goals of the DCR-DWSP to ensure compliance with, at times, conflicting directives regarding legislative intent, natural and cultural resource protection and recreational access.
• Evaluate and develop staffing plans based upon operational priorities of the watersheds.
• Determine priorities for regional operations by evaluating and analyzing allocation of funds, distribution of shared resources, staffing levels, equipment needs and department mission.
• Work with Director to develop plans and ensure compliance with individual facility needs. Develop long-range capital plan to implement long-term vision for regions.
• Oversee and organize staff recruiting activities and facilitate the hiring process within the region in accordance with human resource guidelines.
• Primary liaison to DCR administration, general public, constituent groups and members of the legislative branch to explain and solicit support for regional goals and objectives.
• Acts as regional representative to advisory and friends groups.
• Coordinate with DWSP Natural Resources to ensure proper implementation of Division policies and programs.
• Coordinate with and the Massachusetts State Police, Environmental Police and local Public Safety Organizations to ensure proper implementation of Division policies and programs.
• Coordinate with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife on wildlife and fisheries management.
• Management of garages, including the maintenance and operation of a fleet of vehicles assigned to the region and provide properly licensed drivers for equipment operation. These vehicles include heavy and light equipment, trucks, boats, logging equipment and vehicles.
• Assure fleet of vehicles is properly maintained in order to complete job assignments and provide safety for the employees and the public.
• Oversee and manage Community Outreach programs throughout the regions; provide constituent assistance in the areas of resolving complaints; maintenance of DCR property; and appropriate access to DCR water supply lands in accordance with approve Public Access Plans and DWSP Regulations.
• Oversee all forestry operations on the watershed including resolving conflicts with private contractors, contracts and revenue collection.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of the still-active Quabbin Park Cemetery.
• Oversee the Quabbin Boat fishing program that serves over 30,000 visitors per year.
• Oversee programs to control problem wildlife such as gulls, beaver and deer.

Qualifications 

Necessary Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years full time or equivalent part time supervisory or managerial experience in Water Resource/Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• BA/BS/MS degree is required in an appropriate field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of water supply and natural resource management and protection including principles, practices and procedures necessary to the operation of a water supply watershed and water resources as well as facilities.
• Experience in management of operations, administering programs, personnel supervision, and managing a complex budget process.
• Advanced degree in civil or environmental engineering, forestry, environmental/natural resource policy.
• Professional certifications a plus.