Job Description

　　The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state's natural resources and people's right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

　　The Assistant Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives and Climate Policy within the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) reports to the Commissioner and collaborates with senior leadership regarding oversight and drafting of climate and environmental policy , and other related strategic initiatives for the Department and it's four Divisions.

　　The essential functions of the role specifically involve:

　　• Senior advisor to the Commissioner regarding Climate and Environmental initiatives

　　• Working with Commissioner, Department senior staff, and Division Directors on environmental and climate policy initiatives, the development of climate and/or environmental strategic plans, implementation plans and performance metrics for review with the Commissioner and Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA).

　　• In coordination with the DFG Communications Director, managing communications between the Department and it's Division and with the Governor's office and EEA on environmental and climate issues to ensure any information requests are completed in a timely manner.

　　• Planning, coordinating, and facilitating meetings with internal and external stakeholder groups on environmental and climate policy issues and ensure follow up on key action items.

　　• Serve as DFG liaison on climate resiliency, decarbonization, and represent the Department at meetings and on working groups as required. Serve as agency action lead for the Resilient MA Action Team (RMAT, the interagency steering committee for the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation plan (SHMCAP)), and other climate/environmental related initiatives including but not limited to the Lead By Example EO 594.

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

　　DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

　　Collaborate with Department Senior Staff and Division Directors on the research, development, innovation, and implementation of climate and environmental policy and initiatives, strategic plans, implementation plans, and performance metrics for DFG and Division programs as well as disseminates information to senior leadership from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Governor's office and external sources and stakeholders. Provide guidance and direction to DFG legislative director and Divisions to facilitate ensure both development of and compliance with federal and state climate and environmental laws, regulations, policies, and other related initiatives and recommends budget and funding priorities. Manage communication and craft responses for all climate and environmental related inquiries received by internal and external stakeholders.Serve as DFG liaison on climate resiliency and represent the agency at meetings and on working groups. Serve as agency action lead for the Resilient MA Action Team (RMAT, the interagency steering committee for the State Hazard Mitigation and Climate Adaptation plan (SHMCAP)), and other climate/environmental related initiatives including but not limited to EO 594. Other duties, as assigned.

　　Qualifications

　　QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE

　　• Extensive knowledge of current state, regional, and national research and projections of climate change, best practices, designs and management practices for inland and coastal areas and its corresponding flora, fauna and cultural resources, as well as its recreational resources.

　　• Must be able to understand complex climate change models as well as communicate such information in easy-to-understand terms to staff and public.

　　• Ability to self-manage projects as well as supervise staff and/or contractors charged with completing projects.

　　• Ability to effectively manage a budget and meet timelines.

　　• Ability to be a team player, lead a team and develop effective working relationships with agency staff at all levels representing a variety of disciplines.

　　• Excellent reading, writing and communication skills and experience communicating with the public.

　　PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

　　• At least eight years of proven experience as a manager and public policy professional.

　　• Professional knowledge and experience in the areas of resource protection and management and taking action to address the impacts of climate change.

　　• A Bachelor's Degree or higher in the area of resource management, forestry, wildlife biology, hydrology, environmental science, planning, or a closely related field.

　　• A Master's Degree or higher in the areas listed above or a closely related field.

　　• Experience in leading strategic initiatives, project management, policy development and legislative affairs, collaboration and building partnerships, and supervising and motivating staff whether direct or indirect reports.

　　• Ability to deal effectively with controversial and sensitive issues and maintain professionalism.

　　MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

　　Applicants must have at least (A) six (6) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in a particular specialty (i.e. scientific, professional, or technical) and must possess current license and/or registration requirements established for the performance of the position, of which (B) at least two (2) years must have been in a supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

　　Substitutions:

　　I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

　　II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

　　III. A Graduate degree or higher in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

　　IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) 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.