Public Policy and Engagement Specialist

_Who We Are:_ The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusettsu2019 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. _DPU:_ The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) is the state agency responsible for overseeing investor-owned electric power, natural gas, and water companies in Massachusetts. It regulates the safety of bus companies, moving companies, transportation network companies, and oversees the safety of natural gas pipelines and the MBTA _Job Description:_ The DPU is seeking anPublic Policy and Engagement Specialistto join its Division of Public Participation. The Division of Public Participation (u201cDivisionu201d) is responsible for integrating environmental justice principles across DPUu2019s work and supporting public voices at the DPU. Legislation passed in November 2024,/An Act Promoting a Clean Energy Grid, Advancing Equity, and Protecting Ratepayers,/also tasks the Division with the following: (1) assisting stakeholders before the DPU and the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) in navigating outreach and community engagement requirements, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders; and (2) implementing and administering all aspects of the Intervenor Support Grant Program to provide financial assistance to eligible entities to enhance their ability to participate in DPU or EFSB cases. ThePublic Policy and Engagement Specialistwill assist in developing and implementing policies, practices, and programs that advance environmental justice, inform and educate the public about the DPUu2019s and EFSBu2019s work, and make it easier for the public to participate in the decision-making process. This position will work closely with Division and other DPU staff to support the implementation of the Environmental Justice strategy, Intervenor Support Grant Program, siting and permitting regulations, and other Division initiatives. For DPU matters, thePublic Policy and Engagement Specialistwill assist stakeholders with identifying opportunities to provide comment, intervene, and participate further in a docket. With respect to siting and permitting matters under the jurisdiction of EFSB, thePublic Policy and Engagement Specialistwill assist project petitioners, individuals, local governments, community organizations and other entities with understanding pre-filing outreach requirements for projects seeking a consolidated permit and identifying opportunities to meaningfully engage in the EFSB process. ThePublic Policy and Engagement Specialistwill participate in pre-filing discussions, review project information and submissions related to pre-filing consultation and engagement efforts, assess and report if requirements have been met. ThePublic Policy and Engagement Specialistwill familiarize themselves with project filings, respond to stakeholder queries regarding participation in the Intervenor Support Grant Program, review intervenor grant application materials, and make recommendations to the Division Director. ThePublic Policy and Engagement Specialistwill draft Intervenor Support Grant Program decisions, analyze Program data to create reports, and conduct Program outreach. This position reports to the Director of Environmental Justice and Public Participation. This position requires travel within Massachusetts and attendance at evening meetings is expected. ThePublic Policy and Engagement Specialistwill work on a wide range of projects that advance clean energy, support meaningful participation in energy-related decision-making, and have the opportunity to develop new skills in a rewarding and meaningful energy/environmental career path. Key Responsibilities u00b7 Support the implementation of the Environmental Justice strategy, Intervenor Support Grant Program, siting and permitting regulations, and other Division initiatives. u00b7 Assist stakeholders with navigating pre-filing consultation and engagement requirements, clarifying filing requirements, identifying opportunities to intervene and participate in DPU and EFSB cases. u00b7 Analyze case information and materials provided by project petitioners and grant applicants to identify gaps and inconsistencies, provide appropriate guidance, and make recommendations to the Division Director. u00b7 Create accessible educational and communication materials, tools, templates, and resources to inform and educate stakeholders, and evaluate compliance with regulations. u00b7 Plan and execute stakeholder/ community engagement events that promote DPU services, initiatives, and policies. u00b7 Support DPU Environmental Justice team meetings, participate in EEA Environmental Justice interagency meetings, and assist with the implementation of the DPU Environmental Justice Strategy and related policies working in collaboration with DPU staff and interagency colleagues. u00b7 Track, analyze, and report on program and Environmental Justice-related metrics data. u00b7 Assist with establishing and maintaining a statewide network of relationships with community organizations, municipalities, residents, faith-based organizations, Tribal members, advocacy groups, and other state agencies. Required Qualifications include: u00b7 Excellent written and oral communication skills u00b7 Strong interest in environmental and energy matters u00b7 Experience with community outreach and working with diverse, multicultural stakeholders u00b7 Ability to work independently and collaboratively u00b7 Sound judgement u00b7 Demonstrated problem solving skills and experience First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days. MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health, of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below. Substitutions: I. An Associate's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology,. natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience. II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience. III. A Graduate degree with a major in the field of environmental science, biology, chemistry, earth science, environmental health, meteorology, natural science, toxicology or public health may be substituted for a maximum of three years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience. 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. _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: Science Organization: Department of Public Utilities Title: Public Policy and Engagement Specialist Location: Massachusetts-Boston-1 South Station Requisition ID: 26000097

Created: 2026-02-02