Job Description
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air and water, the safe management of toxics and hazards, the recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, the timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.
Wetlands Certificate of Compliance Initiative
This program runs from June 2024-October 2024
This project is a multi-step compliance effort. The initial effort involved identification of property/sites that previously received Wetland Protection Act (WPA) Superseding Orders of Conditions for a project from MassDEP which have expired and have not yet received a Certificate of Compliance. The second step involved determining if the authorized project was ever constructed and the current ownership using MassMapper aerial photography and tools, and, other on-line resources. Sites where a project was not constructed have been issued a Certificate of Compliance and cover letter indicating that the project was not built. The remaining sites were issued an instruction letter describing the owner's regulatory obligations to submit certain supporting compliance information with a request for a Certificate of Compliance from MassDEP. An analysis needs to be made of those sites where such an instructional letter was issued and a request has not been made or the site is not in compliance. The interns will work with wetland staff to draft recommendations and provide prioritization of cases for possible enforcement action. It is expected that this will bring about both low and higher level enforcement actions.
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Responsibilities:
- Review WPA Superseding Order of Conditions files completed by MassDEP staff as prioritized by Supervisor to determine Certificate of Compliance status.
- Using MassGIS and other on-line mapping tools, compare aerial photos of permitted sites to determine if projects were constructed.
- Field work will also be necessary in order to make direct observations of the project site.
- Once the status of such sites are identified research will be required to determine property ownership using MassMapper, Municipality, County Registry of Deeds, and other on-line data bases.
- Track responses and prepare recommendations/prioritization for possible enforcement action.
- Assist MassDEP staff with site inspections, collection of additional data or information research when necessary for development of enforcement cases of the identified sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic understanding of wetlands ecology/function and general knowledge of Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and regulatory processes. Proficiency with Windows 10, Microsoft Office and internet research.
- Basic understanding and ability to develop skills in using GIS and MassMapper software.
- Experience with, or willingness to develop under supervision, very basic aerial photographic interpretation skills.
- Ability to independently initiate and follow through on communication with municipal conservation professionals.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Prerequisites
Associate or Bachelor's degree (must be enrolled or within one year of graduation)
Required
- Cover letter
- Resume
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
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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.