Project Manager, Environmental Permitting

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference-in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary

Evaluates local, state, and federal environmental regulations and permit requirements related to MWRA operations. This job also provides technical assistance in the oversight and implementation of operating procedures for water and wastewater expansion.

Posting Period: 1/6/2026 to 1/20/2026

Location: Chelsea, MA

Salary: $98,087.44 - $137,144.76 Annually $1,886.30 - $2,637.40 Weekly

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Manages and reviews environmental permitting of substantial difficulty and importance, requiring exercise of independent judgement and ability to ensure that MWRA construction projects comply with all environmental regulations. Provides oversight to consultants working on environmental permitting for the MWRA.
• Provides guidance for consideration in operational decisions based on research of local, state and federal requirements. Specifically, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the Wetlands Protection Act, federal and state Clean Waters Act, federal and state Clean Air Act requirements, and storm water permit requirements.
• Researches and summarizes information on whether MWRA project (construction) activities trigger MEPA thresholds and guides project managers and consultants on the required permitting associated with those thresholds.
• Prepares updates to MWRA operational materials to ensure work is conducted in a manner that is consistent with the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program Monitors compliance with MWRA's Vegetation Management Plan.
• Review and oversee notices of intent prepared for local conservation commissions for MWRA projects. Represents MWRA at local conservation commission meetings.
• Monitors environmental compliance with permits and approvals issued for MWRA construction projects; provides technical information and assistance.
• Maintains on-going contact with professional and community groups regarding environmental and mitigation compliance, initiates outreach projects to increase public awareness and participation to promote the Authority's long-term goals and policies, including enhancing outreach to Environmental Justice populations in MWRA's service area.
• Assists senior managers in providing reporting recommendations under the Massachusetts Contingency Plan requirements.
• Provides technical assistance in support of water and wastewater expansion efforts. Acts as primary point of contact for MWRA during expansion conversations.
• Prepares reports, technical presentations, answers to inquiries, and letters for the Department Director.
• Tracks all MEPA filings and drafts comment letters on behalf on the Authority.
• Tracks permits for MWRA projects, including reporting requirements, due dates, and responsible parties. Keeps MWRA staff abreast of impending deadlines.
• Performs special projects as directed in response to external and internal requests.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree in environmental science, public policy, public administration, environmental engineering or related field. A Master's degree is preferred; and
• At least five (5) years of experience in water resources analysis, construction permitting, environmental impact assessment, water resource planning, report writing, or interpreting or applying environmental regulations; or
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience.
• A valid Class D Motor Vehicle license.
• This position may be eligible for telework up to 50% of the time after an initial waiting period.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment systems, watershed management, and environmental regulations and requirements including one or more of the following: the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, the Wetlands Protection Act, federal and state Clean Waters Act, federal and state Clean Air Act, and storm water permits.
• Excellent computer skills in Oracle and MS Office Suite.
• Demonstrated abilities to work as part of a team, to develop and maintain productive working relationships with external parties, and to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and communication skills as well as good interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical skills.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office equipment as normally associated with the use of telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machine.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects including office equipment or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste or smell.

There are no requirements that weight be lifted or force be exerted in performance of this job, although the employee may have the opportunity to participate in field activities that involve lifting weight (e.g. water, sediment or other environmental samples) or exerting force. Specific vision requirements required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is a moderately quiet office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs.

May oversee contracts and direct the work of contract employees and/or interns as needed.

Other Position Information

PCR: 5210101

Division: Operations

Department: Operations Administration

Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/Grade 25

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.