Environmental Engineer III

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 Environmental Engineer III (EE III). This position is assigned to the Central Regional Office (CERO) Wastewater Program, located in Worcester, MA. MassDEP's Central Regional Office serves 77 cities and towns situated in central Massachusetts.

Under the general supervision of the Wastewater Section Chief or a staff person of higher grade, the EE III performs tasks of considerable difficulty in the regional implementation of MassDEP Wastewater Regulations. The position requires the application of engineering, construction, regulatory enforcement, financial management and wastewater planning knowledge in the review and approval of wastewater treatment facility permits, evaluation and negotiation of enforcement documents for permitted and unpermitted facilities, providing technical assistance to the public at large and local officials and the assessment of potential impacts to public health, safety and the environment.

Working at MassDEP is a great opportunity to do meaningful work that helps reduce the impacts of climate change and air pollution for all people of the Commonwealth now and for future generations. MassDEP personnel are remarkably talented, dedicated, enthusiastic, and supportive.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review engineering plans, reports and specifications for conformance with current sanitary engineering principals and for compliance with Department regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Review operation reports and other records for conformance with proper operating practices and compliance with permit requirements.
• Conduct field investigations of wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment systems for compliance with plan approvals and permit requirements. Prepare detailed reports based on comprehensive field notes.
• Review applications and documentation related to Groundwater Discharge permits.
• Collect water, wastewater, and sludge samples, and other evidence in a manner suitable for use in enforcement proceedings. Prepare accurate and comprehensive field reports which may serve as the basis for compliance or enforcement actions.
• Provide technical advice concerning interpretation of Department regulations, policies, and other aspects of wastewater management.
• Remain abreast of technological advances and regulatory changes in the area of wastewater management.
• Perform other related duties.

Preferred Work Experience:

• Practical experience in the design and/or evaluation of wastewater treatment facilities.
• Experience implementing Massachusetts General Laws and regulations.
• Experience reviewing and translating technical report results into permit conditions.
• Knowledge of the principles of sanitary and environmental engineering as these relate to wastewater collection, conveyance, treatment and residuals management.
• Experience related to design and/or construction of wastewater treatment facilities and the operations of these facilities.
• Knowledge of the methods of general and technical report writing.
• Ability to express ideas and technical information clearly both orally and in writing.
• Experience in dealing with the public and public officials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to utilize Geographic Information Systems.
• Experience with maintaining databases, electronic filing systems, and Microsoft Office Suite with advanced skills.
• The selected candidate must be able to wear and utilize safety equipment, climb stairs and ladders, negotiate uneven terrain, catwalks and heights, and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver's license or equivalent is required.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental engineering. civil engineering, sanitary engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or public health engineering and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. An Associate's degree with a major in civil engineering or civil engineering technology may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*

II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in environmental engineering, civil engineering, civil engineering technology, sanitary engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or public health engineering may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

III. A Graduate degree with a major in environmental engineering, civil engineering, sanitary engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering or public health engineering may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.*

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

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.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

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.