ER Technical Assistance Administrator - Job ID 91004

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 carries out the Minnesota Environmental Quality Board’s authorities and oversight of the state’s Environmental Review (ER) Program and to gather program data. The primary role of this position is to 1) provide technical assistance on environmental review to responsible government units, project proposers, residents of Minnesota and petitioners, and others; 2) support implementation of online services including the EQB Monitor submittal services and Environmental Review Projects Database; 3) gather data to fulfill the program’s data management plan and support program evaluation. 

As part of the ER staff team, the person in this position will develop expertise in ER policies and rules. They have a core responsibility of providing technical assistance and providing support to practitioners through understanding applicable statutes and rules. In addition, they will help ensure effective ongoing implementation of the online submittal services and the production of the weekly EQB Monitor. The incumbent will work with other ER program staff and the Executive Director to implement assigned projects – such as providing training and programmatic guidance, changes, and updates – that may include extensive teamwork and engagement with partners (State, Tribal, and local governments) and stakeholders.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of professional-level experience in leading or administering programs or projects in environmental regulation, assistance, management, or analysis; natural resources; land-use; urban/regional planning, or other related areas. A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Public Policy / Public Administration, Urban & Regional Planning (or Community/Regional Planning) or a related field will substitute for one year of experience. 

AND

Knowledge of the environmental sciences and/or federal, state, and local environmental programs gained by education or experience. 

Ability to understand the requirements of the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and Minnesota Environmental Review Program. 

Demonstrated skills in writing, editing and organizing materials. 

Strong customer service skills to respond to questions from external parties and the ability to provide them with working knowledge of the state's environmental review process. 

Demonstrated experience in technical writing sufficient to develop Environmental Review Program guidance and educational materials 

Excellent oral and written communication skills. 

Experience with Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, SharePoint, Teams and Outlook. 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. 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. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Minnesota’s environmental review process or other federal or state-level environmental review programs 

Experience with state agency and/or local government environmental programs and policies sufficient to provide effective assistance to state and local agencies, businesses, environmental interest groups and the public. 

Ability to understand the regulations, methods, and practices used in a broad range of environmental assessments. 

Ability to prepare and present technical presentations that are understandable by the general public and local government officials.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or moving light objects frequently. A job is in this category may require maintaining a stationary position to a significant degree or may involve a certain amount of moving necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle. 

It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: 

• Conflict of Interest Review 
• Criminal History Check 
• Education Verification 
• Employment Reference / Records Check 
• License / Certification Verification where applicable

About Environmental Quality Board 

The Environmental Quality Board is a multi-member board of 9 state agency Commissioners and 8 citizen members. The EQB oversees and administers Minnesota’s environmental review program. In addition, we provide leadership and coordination across agencies on priority environmental issues that are multi-jurisdictional, and multi-dimensional, as well as provide for opportunities for public access and engagement.