Tribal Liaison - Job ID 83396

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 posting will be used to fill one limited Planner Principal State vacancy, The position has a projected end date of June 30, 2027

The position is under the Agency's Office of Tribal Affairs at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The position will develop and implement an interdisciplinary planning program to work with Tribal governments. The position coordinates implementation of the MPCA's agency-wide priorities for Tribal Relations planning. It manages and provides integrated resource management connections for Tribal planning efforts as developed by MPCA’s seven divisions. This position also provides technical assistance, facilitation, and project management for the Tribal Affairs Office. Responsibilities include to conduct planning and manage projects to advance MPCA’s strategic priority to undertake formal consultation and coordination with Tribal governments; analyze engagements with Tribal governments and propose agency actions to address necessary improvements, including short-term actions and long-term projects; and produce, maintain, and distribute expert information and key records to MPCA staff for greater understanding of Tribal governments, treaties, and legal agreements.

Minimum Qualifications 

 Two years advanced professional experience planning, implementing, and evaluating work and/or initiatives in the areas of community engagement, community organizing, issues management, public relations and/or public affairs or a similar field. (A bachelor’s degree will substitute for one year of experience in the above areas) AND

Experience in leading project teams, tracking progress and managing toward the achievement of a common goal in a specified timeframe.

Clear understanding and/or subject matter expert in the history of Tribal governments in Minnesota. 

Skill and ability in reviewing data and records and creating reports from databases of information. 

Excellent communication skills, including engagement plan development and execution of crafting messaging, content strategies, and writing with the ability to clearly distill topics into concise analysis that may include complex and potentially controversial agency decisions, initiatives and programs.

Experience in persuading, presenting, and championing recommendations and objectives.

Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.

Valid Class D Driver's License.

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

Strong knowledge of political process and/or experience working in a political environment.

Understanding of the history of state actions toward Tribal governments in Minnesota and what it means toward establishing improved and successful relationships when working on environmental/natural resources issues. 

Basic understanding of notions of Tribal sovereignty and the treaties established with state and federal governments.

Additional Requirements

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 DLR 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.