Assessment Analyst

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the state agency responsible for ensuring clean air, land, and water. Our work impacts every aspect of people's lives and is critical to the health and wellbeing of our residents and visitors. MassDEP is the lead agency for safe management of toxic and hazardous materials, promotion of waste reduction and recycling, preservation of the state's wetlands and coastal resources, air quality monitoring and pollution reduction, and so much more.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

Description:

MassDEP seeks applicants for the position of Assessment Analyst (Environmental Analyst III) in the Watershed Planning Program (WPP), Division of Watershed Management, Bureau of Water Resources. WPP is a statewide program with five Sections that each have a different technical focus under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA), such as the Data Management & Water Quality Assessment Section, which develops and manages key data systems for reporting water quality information to EPA and the public. WPP collects chemical, physical, and biological data throughout the Commonwealth to determine the health status of surface waters pursuant to CWA s. 305(b) and s. 303(d). Under the supervision of WPP’s Assessment Coordinator, the Assessment Analyst will compile and analyze data to assess surface water quality conditions in Massachusetts as mandated by the CWA.

The preferred candidate will have a professional demeanor, be highly motivated, and possess excellent data analysis and communication skills. Excellent organizational skills are also required, as well as the ability to manage and work on multiple projects concurrently, meet deadlines, and work well both independently and as a member of a team. The position will be subject to a hybrid work environment (i.e., partly telework and partly on-site), with a minimum of one day per week at WPP’s office in Worcester.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Determine water quality conditions, status and use impairments for statewide water resources for inclusion in watershed assessment decision documents, EPA’s ATTAINS Database, and the biennial Integrated Report to meet EPA reporting requirements.

• Review data and information generated by WPP, as well as from external data sources, and compile data for surface water quality use attainment decisions. Review survey data as necessary for accuracy and acceptability as part of assessment-related processes and procedures.

• Assist with periodic revisions to the Massachusetts Consolidated Assessment and Listing Methodology (CALM) Guidance Manual used for CWA reporting.

• Develop methods and analytical tools for using quality-assured monitoring data and other appropriate information to make water quality use attainment decisions in support of MassDEP’s program plan and to meet EPA's CWA reporting requirements.

• Coordinate as needed with EPA CWA staff, including review of periodic EPA CWA reporting requirements and guidance to ensure compliance and applicability.

• Participate in periodic assessment team meetings to update assessment guidance, evaluate workflow efficiencies, ensure timeliness of key program needs and data flows, and provide suggestions for improvement and streamlining to optimize outputs.

• Review and interpret the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards (314 CMR 4.00) to develop appropriate procedures for assessing the Commonwealth’s surface water resources.

• Participate in planning efforts by WPP’s Water Quality Monitoring Section to ensure availability and timeliness of critical water quality monitoring data for assessments.

• Assist in the development of enhanced water quality assessment reporting and visualization tools.

• Provide direct supervision of volunteer interns and functional supervision of seasonal staff to complete individual project tasks.

• Prepare scientifically defensible technical reports and memoranda.

• Coordinate with subject matter experts in WPP for assessment-related needs and cross training purposes as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of environmental science, water quality management, aquatic biology, and public health.

• Knowledge of EPA CWA requirements including those associated with Sections 303(d) and 305(b).

• Knowledge of the Massachusetts Surface Water Quality Standards or water quality standards from other states.

• Knowledge of water chemistry and microbiology as they affect designated uses, such as aquatic life and recreation.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of scientific data collection and analysis, including QA/QC techniques and field sampling methodologies pertaining to aquatic ecosystems.

• Knowledge of the methods used for general and technical report writing, including presentation-quality charts, graphs, and tables.

• Ability to use R for data wrangling, streamlining workflow processes, and performing water quality assessments.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as risk assessments, chemical analysis, biological analysis, and monitoring reports.

• Ability to work independently, as well as coordinate with other environmental professionals, including other technical staff, in a professional manner.

• Ability to communicate with others to determine needs, limitations, and opportunities.

• Ability to supervise staff (e.g., plan, assign, and coordinate the activities of others).

• Ability to write clear, detailed documentation, correspondence, and reports.

• Ability to provide hands-on, procedural training to individuals or small groups.

• Ability to comprehend, document, and implement new and revised processes and procedures.

• Strong organizational skills.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached “as relevant” to the requisition.