Brief Job Descriptions (essential functions of the job):

As part of the Mayor’s vision for a Green New Deal for Boston, the City of Boston is seeking a Director of Environmental Quality. The Director will lead development and implementation of strategic initiatives and programs to reduce air pollution, protect and enhance our environmental lands and resources as part of leading our city towards a more equitable, sustainable green future.  The Director  is responsible for leading the City’s conservation, pollution reduction and environmental quality initiatives, and developing and enforcing environmental regulations for air pollution, and wetlands protection, including oversight of the Air Pollution Control Commission (APCC), the Conservation Commission, and developing partnerships as part of an all-of-government approach to creating a thriving, equitable and sustainable City. The Director is a leader in environmental quality, conservation and sustainability policy and programs for the City and in the engagement of other municipal offices as well as stakeholders in all segments of the Boston community in the development and implementation of those policies.

The Director of Environmental Quality reports to the Commissioner of the Environment Department, and interacts with all segments of Boston’s municipal government and of the Boston community.  As part of the management team of the Environment Department, they will work closely with other members of the management team and have important administrative responsibilities.

• Leads the development and implementation of just and equitable environmental quality and environmental protection policies and programs in support of the Mayor’s goals of a healthy environment for all Bostonians, including integration of environmental protection and enhancement reduction strategies across municipal operations and planning initiatives as part of an all-of-government approach.
• Coordinates internal and external activities and programs related to achieving Boston’s environmental quality and conservation goals, including coordination on the implementation of the Climate Action Plan in partnership with the Directors of Carbon Neutrality, Climate Resilience, Energy Policy and Programs, and other key stakeholders.
• Fulfills duties as the Executive Director of the APCC, including enforcement of air pollution regulations, administration of the city’s parking freezes, and regulatory oversight of the Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO); develops and implements updates to the APCC’s regulations and policies.
• Designs and implements clean air and environmental pollution abatement initiatives, such  community grant programs, public education resources and engagement campaigns, and pilot and demonstration projects and develops strategies and initiatives to monitor and improve air quality in Boston.
• Oversees implementation of the Diesel Emissions Reduction Ordinance, including engagement with City fleet managers on fleet electrification and diesel pollution reduction initiatives.
• Oversees the Conservation Commission, implementation of the Wetlands Protection Ordinance and the development of regulations for environmental justice, climate resilience and protection of resource area values.
• Leads the development of a Conservation Land Management and Maintenance Plan, wetlands and urban wilds conservation and restoration programs, and partners to develop parcel prioritization plans for the protection of natural resources areas.
• Collaborates with the Boston Public Health Commission to expand environmental health and clean air programming, capacity building and community education and works closely with environmental justice communities to enhance environmental quality and improve public health outcomes.
• Works with other municipal departments departments and agencies and external partners to implement conservation, waste reduction and pollution abatement projects and programs across the City.
• Participates in environmental reviews of proposed projects.
• Works with business, institutional, non-profit, neighborhood groups and residents to ensure that all parts of the Boston community, and especially the most vulnerable members of the community, have the support and resources necessary to improve their environmental quality. 
• Establishes and manages partnerships and strategic alliances with key local and regional government stakeholders and across diverse sectors, professional disciplines and communities. 
• Coordinates with State and Federal agencies on brownfield and Superfund restoration activities, prepares and secures federal and state grants for projects and programs for environmental restoration, air pollution abatement and community engagement.
• Manages a professional staff and oversees contracts and grants. 
• Stays current with important scientific developments and conveys them in practical terms to Boston stakeholders.
• Represents the City of Boston in local, national and global forums around environmental protection strategies and initiatives.
• Inspires, influences and enables the community's contribution to the development and implementation of Boston’s environmental protection and conservation strategies.
• Performs related work as required.

• At least five (5) to seven (7) years of full time, or equivalent part-time, experience with environmental regulation and sustainability policy and programs, with at least three (3) years of management experience required. Additional experience preferred.
• A bachelor's degree is required.
• Substitutions: A master’s degree in environmental science, planning, engineering, law, or related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. Management experience may not be substituted.
• Knowledge of Federal and State air and water quality and environmental conservation laws, pollution abatement, environmental conservation, state and local transportation, building, and land use policies, and transportation and urban planning.
• Experience with policy and regulations development and regulatory oversight.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental and social justice and an understanding of challenges facing immigrant communities, communities of color, and low-and moderate-income families in the context of global climate change and its local impacts.
• Shares the City of Boston’s commitment to increasing racial diversity within the City’s workforce, integrating racial justice and equity into Boston’s climate and environmental plans and programs, and ensuring an inclusive organizational culture.
• Demonstrated passion and commitment to public leadership on environmental justice and commitment to city leadership on climate and equity.
• Demonstrated experience tackling complex problems with creative, effective solutions in a fast-paced work environment.
• Highly organized, with the ability to simultaneously handle many tasks, organize complex projects, and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, with ability to write about and present complex policies, research, and ideas in a clear and concise manner.\
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully within a team and share credit for high-impact work.
• Willingness to practice accessible, responsive, community-engaged leadership for residents of City of Boston.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and strong commitment to integrity and inclusivity in the workplace, with the ability to work with diverse interests and backgrounds.
• Energy, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Boston Residency Required

Terms:

Union/SalaryPlan/Grade: MO-14

Hours per week: 35