Chief Biodiversity Officer

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 Massachusetts's environmental future. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees are vital in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

DFG:

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is the state agency within EEA responsible for conservation of the state's natural resources including marine and freshwater fisheries, endangered species, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to the public.

Job Opening:

In 2023, DFG was tasked by Governor Healey with developing Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals to protect and restore biodiversity, pursuant to Executive Order 618: Biodiversity Conservation in Massachusetts. Goals encompass habitat protection and restoration, economic vitality, workforce development, environmental education, and municipal and state best practices.

The DFG Chief Biodiversity Officer is responsible for providing the structure for state agencies and partners to advance these Goals. The Officer will coordinate with external stakeholders and executive branch Departments. Duties of this position will include development of implementation plans, project tracking, policy development, coordination within and between government agencies, planning and implementation of the Office, grant management, and ongoing project analysis and development. The Chief Biodiversity Officer reports to the Assistant Commissioner of Climate Policy and Strategic Initiatives of the Department of Fish and Game.

Applicants should have a strong scientific and government policy background, knowledge of conservation and biodiversity protection issues, experience working with stakeholders, experience implementing projects and/or developing or analyzing related policies for natural resources, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks is important.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Role

Percentage of Time

1. Lead implementation of Massachusetts biodiversity goals, including development and reporting of metrics, development and refinement of policy and funding tools, and coordination between agencies and partners. Coordinate and support biodiversity monitoring efforts.

60%

2. Manage Community Biodiversity Grants or other programs.

25%

3. Build and maintain relationships with partners including non-profit organizations, municipalities, state and federal agencies, researchers and academic institutions. Manage external partnerships and internal inter-agency task force.

10%

4. Other duties, as assigned.

5%

At the direction of the Assistant Commissioner, the Chief Biodiversity Officer makes decisions about specific elements of the structure of the Office of Biodiversity and the tracking and implementation of goals, including metrics, communication tools, project selection, and monitoring. Additionally, the Officer will manage the reporting structure between contractors, consultants, and internal staff and review and approve work products. The Officer recommends program goals, priorities, budget, and structure to the Assistant Commissioner and Commissioner and also manages the Community Biodiversity Grants Program.

The Officer will work closely with the Department of Fish and Game Chief of Staff, General Counsel, Chief Financial Officer, Director of Finance, Director of Communications, Environmental Justice Manager, and the Director of Land Protection and Capital Planning. The Director will also coordinate with senior leadership and program staff in the four Department of Fish and Game Divisions.

The Officer will also be responsible for coordinating with other relevant state agencies and plans including but not limited to the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Office of Coastal Zone Management, Department of Environmental Protection, other Secretariats, federal agencies, and nonprofit and educational organizations. The Officer works with NGO and private organizations, academics, community groups, regional councils and others. The Officer will represent the Department and Commonwealth at meetings and serve as a spokesperson for the Department in a variety of settings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Natural resource management.
• Science communications, including public speaking.
• Stakeholder engagement and management.

State government structure and policy.

• Grant development and management.

Project planning, management, and tracking.

• Familiarity with wildlife, ecology, restoration, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.

Substitutions:

I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.

II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.

III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.

IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) 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.

Official Title : Program Manager VI

Primary Location : United States-Massachusetts-Boston-100 Cambridge Street

Job : Environmental and Energy

Agency : Department of Fish And Game

Schedule : Full-time

Shift : Day

Job Posting : Feb 11, 2026, 7:23:02 AM

Number of Openings : 1

Salary : 92,644.84 - 142,610.92 Yearly

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Melixza Esenyie/[email protected] - 6176261282

Bargaining Unit : M99-Managers (EXE)

Confidential : No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule : Yes