Ecological Restoration Specialist – Dam Removal

The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) seeks applicants for an Environmental Analyst II/Ecological Restoration Specialist – Dam Removal to serve as an ecological restoration project manager for DER’s Dam Removal Program.

This position provides programmatic support in identifying, evaluating, and developing new potential dam removal projects; collecting field data, monitoring, and conducting assessments to inform project outcomes and the practice of river restoration; responding to technical assistance requests; and grant writing to increase the pace and quality of dam removal projects across the Commonwealth. This role relies on strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, and candidates will also perform duties supporting general DER operations, including but not limited to training and outreach to landowners, partners, and other stakeholders.

The Ecological Restoration Specialist will be based in DER’s Boston office. The position will follow a hybrid schedule consisting of in-office work and telework. In-state travel to conduct fieldwork and meetings is also required.

Responsibilities include: 

• Serve as project manager for assigned ecological restoration projects, primarily focused on dam removal and river restoration, and potentially including retired cranberry bog restoration, freshwater and coastal wetland restoration, culvert removal/replacement, or other project types.
  • Perform project management tasks, including forming and maintaining teams; assisting with the development of restoration approaches; developing and maintaining project plans, budgets, and timelines; securing technical services; conducting field monitoring; supporting projects through planning, assessment, design, engineering, permitting, and construction phases; grant writing; complying with environmental regulatory requirements; and facilitating public outreach and education.
  • Develop and manage technical service and grant contracts and ensure successful contractor/grantee performance of scopes of work and production of quality timely deliverables.
  • Maintain organized and up-to-date digital files, including project budgets; support division-wide project tracking and other work management systems; and report on projects as needed.
  • Coordinate and maintain communication between DER staff, and state, federal, and other project partners; ensure project goals are clear and objectives met.
• Provide programmatic support to DER’s Dam Removal Program and Habitat Restoration Branch.
  • Manage project information in timely, accessible, and organized formats for use by the Dam Removal Program Manager.
  • Assist with identifying and evaluating potential dam removal projects in coordination with program staff and other partners including field assessments and desktop evaluations.
  • Assist with responding to requests for technical assistance to the Dam Removal Program.
  • Assist with monitoring and evaluation of project and program outputs and outcomes.
  • Provide general programmatic support, such as outreach and technical and administrative tasks.
  • Contribute to Dam Removal Program and Habitat Restoration Branch planning, as requested.
• Perform duties in support of general DER operations.
  • Provide information as requested to support Division outreach such as project marketing tools, updates, newsletters, brochures, website content, and program reports.
  • Contribute to the Division’s strategic and annual work planning, as requested.
  • Assist with preparation and execution of programmatic Requests for Responses (RFRs), such as solicitations for Priority Projects and prequalified vendors.
  • Provide information requested to support budget and program development.
  • Conduct training and participate in other outreach and education activities related to ecological restoration.
  • Participate in general interagency coordination and policy activities.
  • Represent the program in public forums and present at professional conferences.

Please note that requisitions will remain open for 90 days; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days of the posting, by 1/30/2025.