Environmental Assistance Coordinator for Central & Northwestern Minnesota Regions - Environmental Sp

The State of Minnesota is hiring an Environmental Assistance Coordinator for Central & Northwestern Minnesota Regions. This full-time position involves developing and implementing solid waste policies and collaborating with local governments and organizations. The role requires a bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience. Telework is eligible, with up to 25% travel required. The position emphasizes equity, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Working Title: Environmental Assistance Coordinator for Central & Northwestern Minnesota Regions - Environmental Specialist 3

Job Class: Environmental Specialist 3

Agency: Pollution Control Agency
• Job ID : 86158
• Location : Various
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 05/13/2025
• Closing Date : 06/09/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit : RMAD Planning and Asst. Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly; $64,310 - $94,941 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• FLSA Status : Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (~~~/) : Yes

Locations available in the following MPCA office locations: Brainerd or Detroit Lakes

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.

This position exists to provide internal and external leadership in developing and implementing new solid waste policies, plans, and financial strategies with businesses, local units of government and elected officials, and other public entities and organizations, and to serve as the point person with their assigned communities in west central and northwestern Minnesota. This position also assists with research, development, implementation, and evaluation of new programs and projects to ensure that state objectives and policies in energy conservation, recovery of renewable resources, and the subsequent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are being met. The position will collaborate with the Greater Minnesota planning team and work to ensure plans are developed consistent with rule requirements from Chapter 9215 ( ~~~/ ). Additionally, the position will support the Capital Assistance Program (CAP) (Minn. Stat. 115a.49-541 (~~~) ). The role will assist in the administration of CAP, support local government partners in the development of projects, coordinate with agency leadership and implement projects in alignment with applicable rules and statues that govern CAP.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in environmental protection, sustainability, environmental science, public policy, urban or community planning or a similar area and two years of professional sustainability and/or environmental protection experience.

OR

Three years professional-level sustainability and/or environmental protection experience.

AND the ability to

Develop and implement work plans.

Independently complete assignments in a timely manner.

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and procedures.

Effectively coordinate and serve as a team member and understand the environmental, social and economic impacts of solid waste.

Engage and communicate with diverse stakeholders and team members.

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 sustainable materials management, concepts, issues, approaches and policies.

Demonstrated understanding of solid waste systems including waste prevention, reuse, recycling and organics management.

Demonstrated understanding or urban or community planning.

Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with representatives of government agencies, the regulated community, and the general public, and to generate consensus on complex issues.

Ability to understand and analyze related data and/or ability to set up systems to collect, manage and present data

Effective public presentation skills, ability to write technical reports and effectively communicate technical concepts in person and in writing.

Experience with grant and/or financial assistance programs

Knowledge of federal, state and local environmental laws, rules, regulations and standards.

Experience working with diverse communities.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

The role is routinely asked to attend county or joint powers board meetings throughout west central and northwestern Minnesota.

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at ~~~ or email ~~~ . Please indicate what assistance is needed.