Solid Waste Training Specialist - Environmental Specialist 3

The State of Minnesota is seeking a Solid Waste Training Specialist to coordinate and manage training programs for landfill operators and inspectors. This full-time role involves developing training materials, providing technical assistance, and building stakeholder relationships. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in environmental science and relevant experience. The position requires some travel (up to 25%) within Minnesota and emphasizes strong communication and organizational skills.
About the position

As a Solid Waste Training Specialist at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), you will play a vital role in coordinating, developing, implementing, and managing the certification and training program for solid waste landfill facility operators and inspectors. This position requires a blend of technical and administrative expertise to support the educational needs of the regulated solid waste industry. Your responsibilities will include material development, training, exam writing and administration, on-site technical assistance, and managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. You will also implement the solid waste need-to-know methodology, ensuring that operators and inspectors are well-equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively. The work you will do is more than just a job; it contributes to the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, investing in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. You will be expected to demonstrate strong presentation skills, effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and organizational skills. Additionally, you will need to build networks of colleagues throughout the public and private sectors, fostering positive working relationships with operators, engineers, consultants, city administrators, and external stakeholder organizations. This position is full-time and operates on a day shift schedule, with workdays from Monday to Friday. You may be required to travel up to 25% of the time, which could involve visiting various MPCA office locations across the state. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in an environmental protection or related science area, along with professional environmental experience that includes solid waste and training experience. A current Type II/III Solid Waste Landfill Operator Certificate or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment is also required.

Responsibilities
• Coordinate, develop, implement, and manage the certification and training program for solid waste landfill facility operators and inspectors.
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• Develop training materials and administer exams for solid waste training programs.
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• Provide on-site technical assistance to solid waste facility operators and inspectors.
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• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders related to solid waste management.
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• Implement the solid waste need-to-know methodology to enhance training effectiveness.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in an environmental protection or related science area and two years of professional environmental experience that includes solid waste and training experience, or three years of professional environmental experience that includes solid waste and training experience.
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• Current Type II/III Solid Waste Landfill Operator Certificate or the ability to obtain one within six months of employment.
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• Demonstrated presentation skills and effective communication abilities.
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• Strong problem-solving, planning, organizational, and computer skills.
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• Human relations skills sufficient to communicate effectively and build networks.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in solid waste landfill facility operations and technical understanding of the solid waste management industry.
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• Understanding of federal, state, and local environmental programs and regulations for solid waste management.
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• Ability to identify training needs and develop curriculum to meet those needs.
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• Experience presenting training materials to a variety of adult learners.

Benefits