Agricultural Land Use Planner - Regional Planner

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 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.

Description:

MDAR: The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.

MDAR is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who is passionate about agricultural land use.  The successful candidate will be a strong communicator with knowledge of land use planning, agricultural land protection, agricultural practices, land acquisition and conservation restrictions

The position is within the Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance combines telework, field work, and office work. Currently at least 1 office day or field day per week is required.  The position location is TBD out of one of MDAR’s field offices in Southborough, West Springfield, Lakeville, or Boston.
 
The Land Use Planner will report to the DACTA Division Manager but will work closely with the other land use programs within the Division including the State Lands Licensing program, the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program and the Farm Viability Enhancement programs.  

Specific tasks include but are not limited to: 

APR Transfers

• Serve as the point of contact for APR owners and partners regarding APR transfer process, rules, and guidance.
• Serve as the lead staff person for review and tracking of proposed APR transfers.
• Coordinate on – site Pre-sale conferences
• Draft Waivers and obtain all necessary signatures for waiver recommendations.
• Provide Waivers or exercise materials to landowners or their representatives.
• Track APR transfers in a Department Approvals database through registry record research.
• Track agreed upon APR transfer data through the Land Information Systems database. Provide updates to staff on APR transfer reviews, status, and completion.
• Participates in APR transfer working group to examine Regulation updates and internal processes.

Farmland Fee Acquisition and Transfer

• Develop process, procedures and regulations for an agricultural land fee acquisition, lease and transfer program.
• Coordinate the Farmland Fee Acquisition and Transfer Program once it is developed.