Senior Environmental Planner

About MAPC
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our mission is to promote smart growth and regional collaboration. 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 works to promote the adoption and implementation of environmental best practices. Our strategic goals include promoting the protection and sustainable management of water resources; preparing for and enhancing communities’ resilience to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards; promoting nature-based solutions to resource management and climate challenges; and advancing equity and environmental justice.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to)

• Assist cities and towns to prepare for regional environmental challenges, such as sustainable water management, climate change, coastal resilience, and protection of critical natural resources; 
• Prepare Natural Hazard Mitigation Plans for cities and towns under FEMA guidelines;
• Review municipal bylaws/ordinances and regulations regarding climate resilience and sustainable water management, including Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development, and prepare recommendations for new or updated regulations; 
• Promote equity by addressing the environmental risks and challenges facing Environmental Justice communities and vulnerable populations, such as BIPOC, low-income, elderly, immigrants, and differently abled people;
• Research, evaluate and recommend options for reducing and mitigating the impacts of development and climate change, with an emphasis in nature-based solutions; 
• Serve in the capacity of Project Manager for local and regional projects, and in a role of collaboration with other MAPC departments on multi-departmental projects;
• Research new areas of practice; develop new project proposals and seek funding to support and expand the Environment Department’s mission;
• Pursue professional development opportunities to remain informed about current environmental planning issues, programs, resources, and tools; and
• Collaborate on environmental issues with state and federal agencies, non-profit advocacy and research groups, and community-based organizations.

Evening events, occasional weekend events, and local travel are a responsibility for this position. MAPC does not require that you have a vehicle; however, you must have a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC provides support for travel, including MBTA passes, a Zipcar account, and BlueBikes membership.

Qualifications

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 6 years of relevant professional experience; OR a Master's degree with a major in one of these fields and a minimum of 4 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, coastal resources, climate resiliency, green infrastructure, and Low Impact Development; 
• Experience working with state and municipal government;
• Experience with developing municipal bylaws/ordinances and regulations to promote sustainable management of land and water resources, green infrastructure, and climate resilience; 
• Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and programs, such as the Clean Water Act, the MS4 Stormwater Permit, the Wetlands Protection Act, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the MA Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, and FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Program;
• Familiarity with Environmental Justice efforts at the state and local levels, and a commitment to incorporating equity into planning projects and meaningfully engaging community stakeholders;
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written);
• Project management and budgeting skills;
• 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 diverse stakeholders and other professionals; and
• Ability to work with people in a range of settings, including diverse urban neighborhoods, developing suburban centers, and/or small or rural communities. 

Preferred:
 

• Knowledge of best practices for design and implementation of Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development; ability to use graphic design tools and/or hydrologic analysis for assessment or conceptual design of Best Management Practices; and
• Strong research skills, including ability to interpret and synthesize data; ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools. 

Per MAPC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, all employees, including remote employees, must be fully vaccinated. This position will require the selected candidate to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, including the Bivalent booster. MAPC is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law. 

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.