Director, Division of Conservation Services

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. 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. Position Overview: The Director of Conservation Services serves as the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs expert in regard to land conservation and stewardship. Key responsibilities include influencing land conservation and development patterns to advance EEA’s climate, energy, and environmental goals. The Director leads the implementation of the Resilient Lands Initiative via the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition. The Director also represents EEA on several boards and commissions, including the Agricultural Lands Preservation Committee and the Woodlands Partnership of Western Massachusetts Board, and convenes groups like the Resilient Lands Conservation Coalition and the Interagency Lands Committee. In an advisory capacity, the Director supports the Secretary on the State Commission for Conservation of Soil, Water, and Related Resources and provides strategic guidance for programs to advance land and forest conservation across the state. Major Responsibility Areas: Manage nine Division staff responsible for grant and tax credit programs, review of conservation restrictions, coordination with Conservation Districts, and the Off Highway Vehicle Program. Advise EEA leadership on funding, policy, and programmatic decisions to conserve and steward land and natural resources. Implement the Resilient Lands Initiative and facilitate interagency meetings. Advance forest conservation initiatives, including carbon sequestration policies and programs. Review legislation affecting Article 97 protected conservation and work with EEA legislative staff on natural resource-related legislation. Manage EEA involvement with the Woodlands Partnership of Western Massachusetts and assist in grant management. Other Duties as assigned. Preferred Qualifications: At least five years of management experience in a policy-making/supervisory role. Experience working with land conservation and stewardship tools. Experience working with public officials and making public presentations. Experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, public policy/administration, or a similar discipline. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to exercise sound judgment in stressful situations. Strong supervisory and management skills. Technical knowledge of state government policies and land management practices. Knowledge of public and private land conservation in Massachusetts. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least six (6) years of professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or managerial capacity. Substitutions: A certificate in a relevant field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. A Bachelor's degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience. A Graduate degree may substitute for three (3) years, and a Doctorate may substitute for four (4) years of experience. Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits. 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.

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