Brief Job Description (essential function of the job):

The Boston Conservation Commission administers the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act (M.G.L c131 s.40), the Massachusetts Rivers Protection Act (HB s. 18.26) and the Boston Wetlands Protection Ordinance (Boston City Code, Ordinances, Chapter 7-1.4). Through its work, the Commission seeks to enhance the quality of life in Boston by protecting water and land resources and preserving open space, wetlands, and other natural areas of the city. The Commission also owns several properties known as urban wilds, and holds conservation restrictions on various other properties within the city.

On December 23, 2019, the City of Boston enacted a local Wetlands Protection Ordinance. The Ordinance allows the Commission to establish local requirements that are stricter than those called out under the Act. It also directs the Commission to develop and promulgate regulations, guidelines, and performance standards for new resource areas, as well as for climate equity and environmental justice.

The Conservation Assistant is part of the Climate and Environmental Planning team within the Environment Department and will work with the Commission and other City agencies, applicants, residents, businesses, and institutions to provide administrative, investigative, and technical assistance, and other services that support the goals and operations of the Commission and the Environment Department.

• Becomes thoroughly familiar with the Wetlands Protection Act & Regulations, Boston Wetlands Ordinance & Regulations, and related policies and guidance as well as with the City of Boston's climate and sustainability goals and the City's administrative structure, programs, and staff responsibilities. 
• Responds to inquiries from the public about application procedures and deadlines, conservation issues, wetlands, and floodplain management.
• Reviews all wetland application filings and technical documents submitted to the Commission and draft wetland permits, determinations, enforcement orders, hearing agendas, project review comments, and other correspondence with applicants and the Commission.
• Assists with the administration of at least two Commission public hearings per month through the facilitation of agenda items, assisting applicants and the Commission with setup, providing project review comments, and taking meeting minutes.
• Assists with the development of proposals by identifying and clarifying opportunities and needs, gathering and formatting information, writing drafts, and obtaining approvals, bids, quotations, or other documents, and manages the products and services provided by chosen respondent
• Assists with the development and implementation of local wetland regulations.
• Maintains and update the Commission website, application procedures, and important deadlines.
• Participates in site visits and inspections for projects permitted by the Commission and in response to possible violations.
• Undertakes research on wetlands, floodplain, climate change, and other topics and use GIS to map and analyze data related to wetlands protection and floodplain management.
• Assists with the management and oversight of Commission owned conservation land and conservation restrictions, including working with other city agencies to acquire additional conservation land.
• Assists the City of Boston's Floodplain Manager with the Community Assistance Visit, the Community Rating System, and other duties as requested as well as contribute to updates to the city's flood maps, plans, and policies working with FEMA and other stakeholders.
• Maintains digital and paper office files.
• Performs other duties as required to support the department's sustainability goals and programs.
• Performs related work as required.

• At least two (2) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in environmental science or policy, environmental health, environmental permitting, environmental planning, natural science, or a related field. A bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, and may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Environmental/conservation experience and familiarity with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and environmental and conservation issues preferred.
• Knowledge of open space, land use, wetland and water resources, floodplain management, and sea-level rise is also desired.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, ability to handle multiple and diverse tasks, execute clerical assignments and independent field work, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills for communicating with a diverse audience, with the ability to clearly communicate planning and regulatory concepts.
• Fluency in English and at least one of Boston's major spoken languages (e.g., Spanish or Cantonese) strongly preferred.
• Proficient computer skills with prior experience using MS Suite, Adobe, and ArcGIS strongly preferred.
• Ability to work offsite and after hours, occasionally on weekends, as needed and with advance notice

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Candidates with a strong knowledge of Boston neighborhoods will be preferred.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and focus on detail as required by the job.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and in incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.
• Must have and maintain a current Massachusetts driver's license.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/SalaryPlan/Grade: MO-6/ Fulltime/ Non-union

Hours per week: 35