Administrator, Environmental Protection (DEM)

Administrator, Environmental Protection (DEM) The Administrator of Groundwater and Freshwater Wetlands role requires a blend of technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, leadership, and stakeholder management skills. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of groundwater hydrology, hydrogeology, freshwater wetland ecology, and environmental engineering principles related to on-site wastewater treatment, groundwater protection, and site development. They should have a strong understanding of Rhode Island and federal environmental laws, regulations, permitting requirements, and water quality standards, along with experience evaluating the environmental impacts of land development, wastewater discharges, stormwater management, and wetland alterations. The candidate should demonstrate ability to oversee complex environmental permitting programs, balancing environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs, and managing regulatory compliance, enforcement actions, and administrative appeals. Strong leadership skills are essential, including experience managing multidisciplinary teams and budgets, while driving operational improvements through performance metrics and process enhancements. The successful candidate will have a proven ability to collaborate with municipalities, developers, consulting engineers, environmental organizations, and the public, and must possess a Rhode Island Professional Engineer (PE) license along with significant environmental program leadership experience. To plan and administer a statewide environmental regulatory program consistent with the jurisdiction of an assigned DEM functional unit/office; to monitor, preserve, protect and improve the air, water or land resources of the state to promote the public health, welfare and safety, prevent injury or detriment to human, plant and animal life, physical property and other resources, and to foster the comfort and convenience of the state's inhabitants; and to do related work as required. Works under the broad direction of the Deputy Director responsible for the Bureau of Environmental Protection with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in carrying out the objectives of the program; work is reviewed and evaluated through periodic reports and conferences. Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises and evaluates the work of professional, technical, paraprofessional and other staff in the unit/office. Prepare and administer an annual budget for the DEM functional unit/office including application for, and management of, federal grants and other grants and accounts. Confer with federal officials, other state agencies, contractors, stakeholders, and/or neighboring state officials on the implementation and coordination of programs and initiatives. Develop office policies and procedures, and propose new and modified rules, regulations, and legislation as it relates to programs within the assigned office. Prepare testimony for legislative hearings concerning subjects under the jurisdiction of the assigned office. Communicate and coordinate with other entities within the Department regarding application cross functions to include planning, assessment, policy and enforcement actions. Attend and participate in meetings, conferences, committees, and teams relating to the activities of enforcing the state's laws and regulations and to represent the department at such meetings. Provide overall management of the DEM functional unit/office including but not limited to supervision of staff; training and development of employees; management of purchases, contracts, and agreements; coordination and communication with senior leadership of the Department. Regularly evaluate business processes with the DEM functional unit/office and undertake actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations, including the development of innovative approaches to addressing emerging issues. Conduct regulation hearings and prepare recommendations to the Director based upon comments received, to formally charge parties or officials with specific violations of state laws and regulations, suggest proper measures be taken to rectify problems causing violations, and order the institution of legal proceedings against those violators who have failed to comply with regulations adopted by the division. Direct, coordinate and supervise the dissemination of public information. Communicate the activities and performance of assigned programs, including the development, tracking, and reporting of performance metrics. To plan and administer a statewide program involving the issuance of and oversight over environmental permits to protect the water resources of the state from uncontrolled or untreated wastewater discharges to groundwater and certain adverse land disturbance activities and preventing associated public health hazards. Supervise the technical representation by departmental staff on appeals of actions relating to the approval or denial of applications for environmental permits affecting the water quality of the state. Administer the Department's licensing programs relating to planning, designing, construction or operation of facilities or activities approved under the relevant permitting programs. A thorough knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to the subject matter of the programs under their jurisdiction and the ability to interpret and apply such laws; the ability to plan and administer a statewide regulatory program; the ability to effectively lead and manage employees within their Office or Division; the ability to coordinate timely and efficient permitting and licensing actions, appropriate enforcement, and the use of assistance tools within the context of the program under their jurisdiction; the ability to develop and implement performance metrics for efficient and effective operation of their programs; the ability to testify as a witness in legal proceedings against violators of state environmental protection laws and regulations; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with federal, state and local officials; the ability to effectively communicate in public the importance of the protection and control of state resources; and related capacities and abilities.