Air Compliance Inspector - Job ID 82147

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 located at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The position will perform compliance and enforcement duties for implementing the Air Quality Stationary Source Program within Environmental Justice areas in the Industrial Division. The position involves the evaluation of the compliance status of assigned facilities with their permit and with applicable state statutes and rules, to determine and initiate appropriate enforcement action if applicable, to lead negotiation settlements, to investigate and follow-up on air quality complaints, to act as a case manager for assigned enforcement cases, to review permits for enforceable conditions, and to develop and lead special projects as assigned. The incumbent conducts compliance determination for emission sources, and conducts lead enforcement activities for violation referrals, for enforcement cases with all industries located in northern Minnesota. The incumbent initiates, coordinates and leads compliance and enforcement actions with state, and federal officials and MPCA staff in the Industrial, and other divisions, and the MPCA General Counsel and Attorney General’s staff. The incumbent will conduct timely follow-up on air quality violations, including High Priority Violators, Federal Reportable Violations, and Watch List facilities, and will timely resolve cases involving significant violations on the air quality enforcement queue for unresolved violations; work with supervisory and compliance coordinator staff on enforcement plans and strategies including inspection management; lead negotiations with responsible parties; develop and lead special projects as assigned; assist with litigation; apply federal and state statutory and rule changes and priorities in the air quality  program; plan and direct case resolution utilizing the authority established under state statutes and administrative rules; work closely with USEPA Region V and Headquarters staff on federal rule application, mentor staff, and help conduct MPCA/EPA joint inspections.  The incumbent will manage multiple sometimes high profile (politically) complex enforcement projects while achieving maximum benefit from resources and will represent the agency as a media spokesperson for assigned cases/issues. This position is responsible for providing overall enforcement leadership, support and guidance to Unit staff on specific assigned or assumed projects, and periodically on agency wide/ multi-media basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an environmental protection or related science area and two (2) years of professional-level environmental protection experience associated with determining compliance with environmental regulations and preparing, issuing, and oversight of enforcement actions and/or experience issuing permits OR 

Three years of professional-level environmental experience as described above AND Ability to manage multiple projects.

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules and permits.

Understanding regulatory applicability and effectiveness related to air toxics, emissions reporting, odor policy, and enforceability.

Demonstrated strong technical writing skills. 

Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word and exposure to Excel and PowerPoint.

Good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with 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

Knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework and their applicability to air emission facilities.

Previous compliance and enforcement or related experience in a regulatory compliance position.

Understand complex industry processes and rules/regulations.

Work effectively with people representing a broad spectrum of positions in business, government, and environmental groups.

Physical Requirements

Some infrequent lifting of sampling equipment and working out in the field in adverse weather conditions.

Ability to conduct inspections at facilities which may involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles. 

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. 

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.