Civil Engineer VI - Director, Office of Dam Safety

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. 

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting, and enhancing our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for – strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov. 

Job Opening: 

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for an Civil Engineer VI - Director, Office of Dam Safety to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume as part of the application process. 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director oversees the day-to-day, statewide operations of the Office of Dam Safety (ODS), under the Division of Design and Engineering at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). The Office maintains records of over 3,000 dams located across the Commonwealth, many of which are owned by DCR. ODS continuously corresponds with owners of regulated dams to ensure dam owner compliance with the Commonwealths Dam Safety Statute, G.L. Chapter 253 and Regulations 302 CMR 10.00 by issuing written orders to conduct periodic inspections, required maintenance, operations and repairs.  The Director is listed at the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency as the 24/7 365 days per year, primary emergency contact for dam involved emergencies statewide.

ODS, which has a staff of 11 engineers and 2 administrators who report to the Director, includes two units – the Dam Maintenance, Flood Control, & Dam Rehabilitation Unit that is responsible for DCR owned dams and monitoring of abandoned dams; and the Dam Safety Regulatory Unit which has regulatory oversite of owners of dams subject to regulation by ODS.  The regulatory unit is responsible for ensuring dam owners hire qualified engineering consultants to inspect dams and address reported deficiencies, develop repair plans and apply for and secure a Dam Safety permit to construct repairs or remove dams, prepare and submit to ODS an emergency action plan for certain dams, which is distributed to the Massachusetts Emergency Agency and local Emergency Management Directors., .

General duties of the Director include administration of statutory and regulatory dam safety requirements statewide; oversight of state and federal dam-related grant programs; serves as the Commonwealth’s USDA-NRCS PL566 Flood Control Program Liaison, provides direct and technical assistance to DCR Operations unit, other state agencies, municipalities, and private dam owners; and oversight of planning, design, and construction of dam repair and removal projects managed by DCR.  

The position reports to the Deputy Chief of Dam Safety, Flood Control, and Environmental Engineering within the Division of Design & Engineering.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.       Direct and supervise statewide operations for the Office of Dam Safety and supervise staff.

2.       Oversee the review and approval/disapproval of complex and diversified engineering data, including but not limited to plans, specifications, contracts, bids, etc. for the Office of Dam Safety by analyzing technical documents for conformance to applicable rules, regulations, codes, laws, policies or procedures.

3.       Prepare, review and issue Requests for Proposals for design services and construction contract documents for the repair and removal of dams.

4.       Prepare and manage capital budgets and annual spending plans for the Office of Dam Safety in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

5.       Direct the preparation of federal grant requests for the Office of Dam Safety for FEMA funds.

6.       Make presentations on dam safety awareness for various Government, public and private groups.

7.       Represents the Commonwealth with the Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO).

8.       Review and approve dam safety-related plans, specifications, inspections.

9.       Review and approve permits for repair and removal prepared by the Office of Dam Safety Permit Engineer.

10.   Represent DCR in meetings with Federal, State and Municipal officials and private citizens.

11.   Provide problem solving and technical assistance to all dam owners statewide.

12.   Direct and assist reporting staff in the management of the activities of consulting firms, and in some cases, manage the activities of consulting firms to achieve an acceptable end product through study, design and construction.

13.   Direct and advise reporting staff Resident Engineers and project managers during the construction phase of projects.

14.   Direct staff in developing recommended decisions with technical matters that pertain to assigned projects.

15.   Resolve complex engineering and construction issues for a diverse statewide agency utilizing sound principles of engineering and prudent fiscal controls.

16.   Direct staff in the preparation, monitoring and maintaining project budgets and schedules.

17.   Coordinate and represent the Division with relevant city, state and federal agencies, including but not limited to MassDOT, DCAMM, DEP, MWRA, USACE.

18.   Maintain program readiness to respond to emergencies statewide as coordinated with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).  The Director will be recorded as the primary point of contact for any emergency response, emergency planning, emergency mobilization, etc.  The Director will ensure the program Emergency Action Plan Engineer will be recorded as the secondary point of contact with MEMA.

19.   Direct regulatory compliance and enforcement staff in the preparation and implementation of enforcement following a determination of non-compliance.  Such enforcement shall be prepared by the program, reviewed by the DCR Office of General Counsel, signed off by the Office of Dam Safety chain of command and presented to the Commissioner’s office for signing.

20.   The Director will sign outgoing correspondence as approved by the Commissioner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Commonwealth of Massachusetts Civil Engineer Registration (P.E.) or Civil Engineer in Training Certificate (EIT) preferred.

• Five years of experience supervising and/or managing staff and operations.

• Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.  

• Access to reliable transportation to and from DCR and non-DCR sites for site visits, meetings, conferences, etc.

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

Minimum Entrance Requirements: 
Applicants must have at least (A) six years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in civil engineering work in such areas as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, airport, soils and materials of which (B) at least four years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least three years must have been in a supervisory, managerial, or administrative capacity, or (D) 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 civil engineering** or civil engineering technology**, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*

III.  A Graduate degree with a major in civil engineering** may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience and one year  of the required (B) experience*

**NOTE: The terms civil engineering and civil engineering technology include related engineering disciplines, such as construction, survey, hydraulics, design, transportation, structural, soils, sanitary, environmental, drafting, highway, architectural, mining, airport and materials.

*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.  No substitutions will be permitted for the required (C) experience.

Special Requirements: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.

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.