Environmental Specialist Job ID 84774
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
This position exists to perform compliance and enforcement duties for implementing the solid waste program in the Resource Management & Assistance Division. The position involves: the evaluation of the compliance status of assigned facilities with their solid waste negotiate settlements as part of a team, to investigate and follow-up on solid waste complaints, to act as a case manager for assigned enforcement cases, to review permits for enforceable conditions.
Additional duties include working with the Emergency Response Team to assist them with debris clean up and management during disasters, conduct asbestos inspections and assistance, helping devise pollution prevention activities, organics issues, assessing product life cycles, waste reduction, recycling, reuse and other P2 outreach activities. The position will have freedom to explore and develop this aspect of the program.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of environmental protection experience OR
A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field. (Students in their final semester of college should apply for the position and can start after their graduation date.)
In addition:
Demonstrated strong technical writing skills.
Basic computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Word and exposure to Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
Ability to gain a complete understanding of the environmental regulatory process and procedures.
Communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members.
Problem-solving skills to successfully resolve technical matters and bring projects to conclusion.
Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements).
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated understanding of local government organizations. Demonstrated knowledge of waste and sustainable materials management.
Demonstrated knowledge of state waste management policies, rules and regulations.
Ability to consult effectively with both private citizens, and local officials and maintain productivity in controversial situations.
Students who have participated in one the state or agency's student leadership pipeline programs such as Right Track, Step Up, Urban Scholar, Star of the North or Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
Requires driving to and from inspections. Requires the ability to perform field work, sometimes in adverse weather. Field work and inspections may include traversing stairs and rough terrain, and some moving of sampling equipment.
Additional Requirements
A driver's license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver's License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver's license AND a satisfactory DLR check.
Requires a Class D driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.
About Pollution Control Agency
Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.