Environmental Planner II
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) seeks an Environmental Planner II to join an innovative team that works to promote protection and sustainable management of natural resources, climate resiliency and mitigation, and equity in the Metro Boston region. As a member of the Environment Department, the Environmental Planner II will work closely with municipal and state officials, watershed organizations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to advance the environmental components of Greater Boston’s regional land use and policy plan, MetroCommon 2050. This person will analyze environmental trends and issues, develop planning recommendations for sustainable best practices, and manage the development of plans that protect natural resources and reduce the risks associated with climate change and natural hazards. Part of the Environmental Planner’s duties will include supporting MAPC’s Clean Energy Department on climate action plans and other climate mitigation and clean energy projects.
About MAPC:
MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency (RPA) serving the people who live and work in metropolitan Boston. Our strategic priorities are promote smart growth, collaboration, climate mitigation and resilience, and equity in the region. We are guided by our regional plan, MetroCommon2050: Shaping the Region Together. MAPC’s staff includes approximately 100 full-time employees located in downtown Boston in a transit-accessible and bike-friendly office.
MAPC has a hybrid schedule, combining time in the office with remote work. Employees must reside within a commutable distance from MAPC’s Boston office.
MAPC strongly supports the professional development of each and every staff person, believing their growth to be consistent with the best interests of MAPC and the region. We encourage all our staff to develop new ideas to make MAPC’s planning and policy work more relevant and impactful, and to adapt to changing times.
This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment with professionals who are committed to building a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone who lives and works in Greater Boston. For more information about MAPC or MetroCommon2050, please visit www.mapc.org
About the Departments:
For at least the first year, this position will initially be shared across the Environment and the Clean Energy departments. MAPC’s Environment Department promotes the protection and sustainable management of water resources, nature-based solutions, and greater resilience to the impacts of climate change and natural hazards. MAPC’s Clean Energy Department works closely with a wide range of municipal and community stakeholders to develop innovative clean energy and climate programs, procure needed services and technologies, and advance transformative policies. Both departments are committed to advancing equity and environmental justice, with a focus on supporting vulnerable populations and meaningfully engaging communities.
Responsibilities (including but not limited to)
- Manage projects that assist cities and towns to prepare for regional environmental challenges, such as sustainable water management, climate change, clean energy, and protection of critical natural resources;
- Promote equity by engaging diverse communities and addressing the environmental risks facing environmental justice communities and vulnerable populations;
- Prepare natural hazard mitigation plans for cities and towns under FEMA guidelines;
- Conduct climate vulnerability assessments and prepare climate adaptation and mitigation plans for cities and towns that center equity;
- Review municipal bylaws and ordinances regarding climate resilience and sustainable water management, including green infrastructure and low impact development, and prepare recommendations for new or updated regulations;
- Research new areas of practice, develop new project proposals, and seek funding to support and expand the Environment Department’s mission;
- Pursue professional development opportunities to remain informed about current environmental planning issues, programs, resources, and tools; and
- Collaborate on environmental issues with other MAPC departments, state and federal agencies, non-profit advocacy and research groups, and/or community-based organizations.
Evening and occasional weekend events and local travel are a responsibility for this position. MAPC does not require that you have a vehicle; however, you must have a valid driver’s license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC provides support for travel, including MBTA passes, Zipcar account and BlueBikes membership.
Qualifications
Candidates for this position should have a Bachelor’s degree in regional planning, natural resources management, climate change and resiliency planning, landscape architecture, or a closely related field, and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant professional experience OR a Master's degree with a major in one of these fields and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience.
Successful candidates for this position will demonstrate all or most of the following:
- Understanding of current best planning practices for sustainable resource management and climate planning in areas such as water resources, clean energy, climate resiliency and mitigation, green infrastructure, and flooding and other natural hazards;
- Experience working with municipalities on climate and environmental issues, in particular coastal climate adaptation challenges and strategies;
- Strong commitment to equity and environmental justice;
- Experience with reviewing and developing municipal bylaws, ordinances and regulations to promote sustainable management of land and water resources, green infrastructure, and climate resilience;
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, interpretation, and communication, including ability to use Geographic Information Systems (GIS);
- Ability to use design tools for assessment, conceptual design or depiction of practices that enhance resilience;
- Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations and programs or aptitude to learn, such as the Clean Water Act, the MS4 Stormwater Permit, the Wetlands Protection Act, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, and/or FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program;
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication, facilitation and collaboration skills with a wide range of audiences;
- Strong organizational, project management, and budgeting skills;
- Ability to work in a range of settings, including urban, suburban, and rural communities, and with a diverse array racial, ethnic and income groups; and
- Demonstrated interest in keeping up to date on emerging and innovative topics within the field.
NOTE: Interested applicants who meet most but not all qualifications are encouraged to apply.
Per MAPC COVID-19 Vaccine Policy, all employees including remote employees must be fully vaccinated. This position will require the selected candidate to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, including up to date boosters. MAPC is an equal opportunity employer and will consider reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law.
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary ranges from $68,000 - $78,000, depending on qualifications and experience. This is a full-time exempt position. MAPC offers excellent Massachusetts state employee benefits as well as a flexible, supportive, and family-friendly work environment and a commitment to continued professional development.
How to Apply:
Apply online at www.mapc.org/jobs. The position is open until filled, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Candidates selected to interview will be asked to submit three (3) references plus a sample of relevant writing or work product. Candidates must have legal authorization to work in the USA and a valid driver's license and/or the ability to arrange transportation to meetings in different parts of the region. MAPC participates in E-Verify, which is a federal program that helps us to determine work eligibility in the United States.
MAPC is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. We believe that a staff with a range of perspectives, experiences, and skillsets strengthens our work. We are committed to building a more equitable workplace that allows staff with diverse backgrounds and identities to thrive, grow, and lead. For more information on MAPC’s culture of equity, see our Equity at MAPC page.