Environmental Specialist Job ID - 81236

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 is in the Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Unit at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. The primary purpose of this position is to provide support for the Subsurface Sewage Treatment System (SSTS) Program from the Brainerd Regional Office for the counties assigned to the area.  This position supports the program by assisting the implementation of the SSTS compliance and enforcement, technical assistance, and training objectives in accordance with the program work plan. 

This position will focus on compliance and enforcement and technical assistance of the SSTS program.  This position will conduct inspections and investigate and follow-up on complaints; appropriate enforcement actions will be initiated in accordance with the Enforcement Response Plan (ERP). The position also provides technical assistance and training to assigned counties, other local units of government, SSTS professionals, and other groups as appropriate and indicated in this plan. The functions of this position include: assisting local governmental staff on SSTS program implementation and enforcement issues; following up on complaints regarding license issues and completing inspections on individuals working in the areas of designing, installing, maintaining, and inspecting SSTS; documenting and communicating inspection findings as appropriate for the administration of the SSTS program and initiating appropriate enforcement actions to correct or resolve violations and non-compliance; providing technical assistance to LGUs, SSTS professionals and other appropriate groups; assisting with the U of M Onsite Sewage Treatment Program training curriculum and other training according to developed work plan.

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist 1

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Conservation, Biology, Chemistry or related science field OR Two (2) years of professional environmental protection experience.

Environmental Specialist 2

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Conservation, Biology, Chemistry or related science field AND one year of professional environmental protection experience OR

Three (3) years of professional environmental protection experience. 

All Candidates:

Effective communication, writing, computer, and problem-solving skills.

The ability to communicate complex issues to general audiences.

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

Knowledge of the principals and practice of hydrology, chemistry, biology, and environmental science relative to septic systems.

Knowledge of public health principals to minimize impacts from septic systems.

Knowledge of the MPCA subsurface sewage treatment system rules and regulations regarding installation, inspection, design, and maintenance.

Ability to take direction, follow standard operating procedures, manage, and prioritize multiple assignments, and work effectively independently and on teams to complete assignments in a timely manner.

Ability to be an active listener, be open to ideas and opinions, and to identify differences and resolve conflicts.

Physical Requirements

Ability to traverse land application sites for maintainer inspections.

Statewide travel sitting in a car for extended periods of time to attend meetings, occasional lifting of boxes of files or educational materials, occasional visits to construction sites with rough terrain, and overnight travel.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

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 driver's license record 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.