Job Information
State of Massachusetts Seasonal Regional Planner II—MassTrails Winter 24-25 in Boston, Massachusetts
Who We Are: The Department of Conversation & Recreation (DCR) is steward of one of the largest state parks systems in the country. Its 450,000 acres is made up of forests, parks, greenways, historic sites and landscapes, seashores, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and watersheds. The DCR also oversees several swimming pools, wading pools, and spray decks. Who We Serve: Massachusetts was the first state in the nation to combine energy and environmental agencies under one Cabinet secretary. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) serves Commonwealth residents interested in outdoor recreational activities, clean energy solutions and those who work with animals and livestock. Equally, EOEEA works with energy consumers, power companies, clean energy providers and farmers to delicately balance the interaction with environmental protection laws and regulations while being a cornerstone for our economic prosperity. About the Division of Design and Engineering: Continuing over a century of visionary land stewardship, DCR’s Division of Design & Engineering (D&E) collaborates with colleagues within DCR, other agencies, and communities across the state to plan, design, build, and maintain a diversity of outdoor recreational experiences and unique landscapes throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, our staff is responsible for maintaining public infrastructure including dams, seawalls, parkways and park roads, sidewalks and trails, and stormwater systems. This requires employing a diverse range of talent including architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, tradespeople as well as business, finance and administrative support who work together to support D&E’s mission. Our staff is unified by a passion for providing access to high quality public open space and outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities, and strive to improve visitor experience, enhance universal accessibility, and help modernize DCR’s facilities and resources to be more carbon neutral, energy independent, and resilient to climate change. Position Information: Seasonal Regional Planner II—MassTrails: 11/10/24-03/15/25 (18 weeks) @ 37.5 hrs: Contact Supervisor for schedule. 1 position(s) Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position. Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process. Position Summary: The MassTrails Program provides resources, technical assistance, and grant awards to communities in its work to build out the state’s network of shared-use paths and trails across the Commonwealth. MassTrails Grants provide funding for the design, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails and shared-use pathway projects. As a part of its outreach and community coordination, MassTrails also organizes the statewide biennial MassTrails Conference which attracts 300-400 participants and spans several days, concluding with one all-day plenary session with a keynote speaker and concurrent presentations throughout the day. The MassTrails Planner will report to the MassTrails Director but will work with the entire MassTrails team to assist with grant program administration, the planning and implementation of the MassTrails Conference, and other duties related to the MassTrails Program. Duties: · Assist with all MassTrails Grant Program initiatives to forward the goal of building out a diverse and inclusive network of trails across the Commonwealth. This includes but is not limited to production of resources, planning and development of administrative and technical assistance, stakeholder support, community outreach, marketing initiatives, and program advocacy. · Coordination and tracking of all aspects of the MassTrails Grants Program under the direction of the Grants Program Manager, including annual solicitation, application review, awards, grant tracking, and grant reporting from initiation through closeout. · Coordinate the planning, marketing, and execution of the MassTrails Conference, to be held in late October 2024. This involves working with the Conference Planning Committee, communicating with the event planning consultant, brainstorming, and organizing indoor and outdoor workshops and presentations, budgeting, logistics, event marketing, communications, and in-person participation. · Provide support to staff in the DCR Trails and Greenways section to manage trails projects, most commonly internal and external grant-funded projects which intersect with DCR land. · Use MS Office Suite to accomplish tasks related to the above listed duties. A strong knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required. · Other related duties as required and assigned. Preferred Qualifications: · Background in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Recreation Ecology, Forestry, Planning, or Business Administration with an aptitude for outdoor recreational activities and programs. · Knowledge of natural surface trails and shared-use pathways. · Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software, especially Acrobat, Photoshop, and Illustrator. · Strong organizational skills. · Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others. · Ability to work outdoors year-round under varying climatic conditions, traverse uneven terrain, and carry up to 25 pounds. · Willingness to travel throughout the Commonwealth, spend 1-2 days a week in the field as weather permits and as duties may require. · Administrative experience in program management support. · Experience in planning and execution of mid- to large-scale conference-style events. · Adept at research, data analysis, and communication of data in a succinct, concise manner. · Ability to prioritize, manage, and execute multiple administrative tasks simultaneously. · Ability to speak and write clearly and to communicate effectively with staff, stakeholders, and the general public. · Ability to work independently and as part of a team. · Possession of a current and valid Mass Driver's license First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) three years of full-time, or equivalent part-time technical or professional experience in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, transportation planning or land use planning, and (B) of which at least one year must have been in a professional capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for two years of the required (A) experience.* II. A Graduate degree with a major in urban or regional planning, environmental planning, urban studies, architecture, landscape architecture, civil, environmental, or transportation engineering or environmental sciences may be substituted for the required experience.* Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually competed. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License. _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. Job: Planning* *Organization: Department of Conservation & Recreation *Title: *Seasonal Regional Planner II—MassTrails Winter 24-25 Location: Massachusetts-Boston-10 Park Plaza Requisition ID: 240009A7