Environmental Planner II

The Environmental Planner will work closely with state and municipal officials, community-based organizations, technical experts, and other stakeholders to advance the environmental components of Greater Boston’s regional land use and policy plan, MetroCommon 2050. The Planner will analyze environmental trends and issues, develop planning recommendations for sustainable best practices, and manage the development of plans that protect natural resources and reduce the risks associated with climate change and natural hazards.

About MAPC:

MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities are sustainable development, regional collaboration, and fostering an equitable and climate resilient region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.

MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office.  

MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.

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 for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org 

About the Department: 

MAPC’s Environment Department promotes the protection and sustainable management of water resources, nature-based solutions for environmental challenges, and greater resilience to the impacts of climate change. Some examples of project work include preparing climate resilience and natural hazard mitigation plans; conducting assessments of the impacts of climate change and natural hazards on priority populations; reviewing federal, state and local environmental regulations through the lens of environmental and climate change challenges and solutions; and collaborating with municipalities, advocacy groups, and/or community-based organizations on regional environmental and climate planning initiatives. The Environment Department is committed to advancing equity and environmental justice, with a focus on supporting priority populations and engaging communities in the planning process in meaningful ways.

For more on the Environment Department, visit the web site at:  https://www.mapc.org/our-work/expertise/environment/

• Support or manage projects that assist cities and towns to prepare for regional environmental challenges, such as sustainable water management, coastal resilience, and protection of critical natural resources; 
• Promote equity by addressing the environmental risks and disproportional impacts of climate change faced by Environmental Justice communities and priority populations, such as BIPOC, low-income, elderly, immigrants, and differently abled people;
• Prepare natural hazard mitigation plans for cities and towns under FEMA guidelines;
• Conduct climate vulnerability assessments and prepare action and resilience plans that center climate justice and equity;
• Support the review and coordination of federal, state and/or local policies and regulations regarding environmental challenges including natural resource conservation, water supplies and quality protection such as PFAS mitigation;
• Promote emerging best practices, including climate resilient land use, nature-based solutions such as sustainable waste management practices, stormwater management best practices, and green infrastructure and low impact development;
• Support the Environment Department with research on new areas of practice, project proposals, and funding to support and expand the Environment Department’s goals;
• Pursue professional development opportunities to remain informed about current environmental planning issues, programs, resources, and tools; and
• Collaborate on environmental issues with other MAPC departments, state and federal agencies, non-profit advocacy and research groups, and community-based organizations. 

Candidates for this position should have a Bachelor’s degree in regional planning, natural resources management, climate change and resiliency planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field, and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience OR a Master's degree with a major in one of these fields and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience.

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

• Understanding of current best planning practices for sustainable resource management in areas such as water resources, climate resiliency and mitigation, green infrastructure, and flooding and other natural hazards; 
• Experience working with municipalities on climate and environmental issues;
• Strong commitment to equity and Environmental Justice;
• Experience reviewing and developing municipal bylaws, ordinances and regulations to promote sustainable management of land and water resources, green infrastructure, and climate resilience;
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication, including ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and programs (or aptitude to learn), such as the MS4 Stormwater Permit, the Wetlands Protection Act, and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act;
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills with a wide range of audiences;
• Project management and budgeting skills; 
• Experience handling public involvement and agency coordination with diverse stakeholders; and
• Demonstrated interest in keeping up to date on emerging and innovative topics within the field and helping to advance MAPC’s work to meet such trends.

How to Apply: 
Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a sample of relevant writing or 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. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States. 
 
MAPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a staff with a range of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We are committed to building a more equitable workplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see our  Equity at MAPC page.