Environmental Planner

CITY OF LOWELL

Job Description

Department of Planning & Development

Environmental Planner

Job Title: Environmental Planner (2700-48,JC#6663,3696)

Department: Department of Planning and Development

Reports To: Chief Design Planner

Union Status: AFSCME Local 2532

FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $69,223.86 (min) to $74,488.40 (max) annual; 35 hours per week

SUMMARY

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) is seeking an Environmental Planner to play a key role in a variety of projects and responsibilities within its Planning and Project

Management Team. The Environmental Planner will have an understanding of climate and sustainability planning, project management, and interest and/or skill in the redevelopment of brownfield sites. This role will manage projects directly for DPD and support a variety of citywide projects administered through other departments. The position requires the development of technical expertise for planning and redevelopment work in an industrial city in which many projects involve brownfield considerations. The Environmental Planner position requires a thoughtful approach to preparing the City for a changing climate and cultivating initiatives to protect and enhance the natural environment. The Environmental Planner works on planning, project review, and policy development in partnership with city, state and federal agencies, neighborhood residents, and numerous stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Lead project manager for citywide brownfields work. Coordinates with Licensed Site

Professionals, general contractors, and city staff to ensure compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements. Responsible for all required reporting to the

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and any other applicable agencies.

• Researches topics related to climate resiliency and sustainability. Participates in the preparation of citywide plans to address climate challenges the City faces.
• Advises on environmental issues, priorities and existing programs, and develops environmental policies and programming for the City. Coordinates environmental policies and programs within City Departments and with other governmental agencies, institutions, businesses, and the public.
• Identifies and applies for grants and other funding to support environmental programs.

Lead grant writer for brownfields grants. Supports grant applications as part of the

Planning and Project Management Team.

• Manages projects related to the enhancement and protection of the City’s natural resources and assists in regular updates to the City’s Open Space Plan.

• Prepares reports, plans, budgets, memoranda, and other general documentation needed for planning and infrastructure construction projects.
• Represents the City at meetings of civic, business, and community groups, community boards, and elected officials, as needed.
• Participates in projects and presentations as a member of the Planning and Project Management Team.

• Completes special projects as assigned by the Chief Design Planner, Deputy Director and Assistant City Manager/DPD Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

May supervise professional consultants or interns.

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

A Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Planning,

Environmental Sciences or equivalent. Two (2) to three (3) years experience in private or public sector administration with environmental concentration. Working knowledge of state and federal contamination and remediation programs preferred. Project management experience preferred. Proficient in use of computer programs for word processing (preferably Microsoft Word), data base management and spreadsheets, GIS and mapping skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid driver's license preferred.

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 frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Must have the ability to observe conditions that define conservation areas and/or environmental issues while touring site; ability to see conditions in wetlands areas to enable safe ambulation.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing 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 occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The City of Lowell is a smoke and drug free employer and requires a physical with drug screen and CORI, post offer.

Qualified individuals should apply by the deadline by submitting application/resume with cover letter using the City of Lowell job opportunities online portal:

https://selfservice885.tdr.tylerhosting.cloud/ess/employmentopportunities/default.aspx

The City is committed to encouraging diversity and inclusion through equitable opportunities for all community members. The aim is for our workforce, including contractors, to be truly representative of all sections of society and our community, and for each team member to feel respected while fostering belonging.

"The City of Lowell assures that every individual shall have equal access to all City employment opportunities. The City is all-inclusive and no person shall be denied equal access because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, military service, or physical/mental disability."

EOE/AA/504 Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $69,223.86 - $74,488.40 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Work Location: In person