Remediation Project Coordinator- Environmental Specialist 3

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Remediation Project Coordinator - Environmental Specialist 3 to manage environmental investigations and remediation projects within the Superfund programs. Responsibilities include directing investigations, assessing cleanup needs, developing site models, analyzing data for public health risks, and overseeing data collection. The role also involves managing contractors, conducting responsible party searches, and preparing enforcement documents. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and project management experience in environmental investigations are required.
About the position

The Remediation Project Coordinator - Environmental Specialist 3 position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is a critical role focused on managing environmental investigations and remediation projects within the Superfund family of programs. This position is responsible for directing the management of environmental investigations, determining the necessity of cleanup actions, and developing site conceptual models to support the identification of contamination areas. The work involves a thorough evaluation process that may lead to the listing of sites on state or federal Superfund lists, requiring the incumbent to analyze various publicly available data sources to assess potential public health or environmental risks. The role entails reviewing and preparing reports, documenting findings, and overseeing the collection of new data when necessary. The incumbent will manage voluntary or responsible parties and coordinate with state contractors to prepare work order documents. The investigative process concludes with a determination regarding the presence of contamination and the appropriate actions needed, if any. The Superfund process is guided by state and federal laws, and the project manager is responsible for comprehensive management and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, the position involves conducting responsible party searches and determinations, which may lead to enforcement actions and negotiations to ensure compliance with investigation and cleanup requirements. This includes issuing agency enforcement documents and preparing recommendations for listing sites on the State's Permanent List of Priorities. The MPCA Superfund Program operates in a fast-paced environment, addressing emerging environmental issues and managing a high workload effectively.

Responsibilities
• Direct the management of environmental investigations in the Site Assessment and Superfund Programs.
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• Determine if cleanup actions are needed or if sites may be closed according to best management practices.
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• Develop site conceptual models for areas of identified contamination.
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• Query, research, and analyze publicly available data to assess public health or environmental risks.
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• Review or prepare reports and document findings in databases.
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• Oversee the work of voluntary or responsible parties for data collection.
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• Solicit scopes of work and cost estimates from state contractors and prepare work order documents.
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• Conduct responsible party searches and determinations, including potential enforcement actions.
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• Issue agency enforcement documents such as Requests for Information and Commissioner Notice Letters.
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• Prepare recommendations for listing sites on the State's Permanent List of Priorities.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Soil Science, or a closely-related environmental field, and two years of professional-level project management experience in environmental investigations and remediation.
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• OR three years of professional-level project management experience in environmental investigations and remediation.
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• Ability to develop and implement work plans and contracts.
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• Independently complete assignments in a timely manner.
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• Understand environmental regulatory processes and procedures.
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• Effectively coordinate and serve as a team member, understanding the environmental, social, and economic impacts of investigations and remediation decisions.
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• Engage and communicate with diverse stakeholders and team members.
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• Possess a valid Driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and five or more years of project management experience in environmental investigations and remediation.
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• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, regulations, and standards related to environmental investigations and remediation.
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• Experience conducting soil, groundwater, surface water, soil gas, and indoor air investigations.
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• Understanding of remediation and mitigation methods/technologies.
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• Good written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
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• Advanced project management skills including review of written submittals and evaluation of analytical data.
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• Experience conducting public communications on health- and/or environmental-related projects.
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• Proficiency with GIS.

Benefits
• Telework eligibility
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• Comprehensive health insurance
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• Retirement savings plan
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• Paid holidays and vacation
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• Professional development opportunities
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• Support resources for employees
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• Commitment to equity and inclusion in the workplace