Small Business Ombudsman/Mobile Source Specialist Job ID 82831

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

The purpose of this position is to serve as the Minnesota Small Business Ombudsman and Statewide Mobile Source Emissions Specialist. As ombudsman, the position serves independently from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) as a liaison and advocate for small businesses requiring interactions with the MPCA, to help resolve complaints or disputes that may arise between small businesses and agency programs, provide outreach and evaluation of the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program, and provide the small business perspective in agency rulemaking processes, among other duties. Roles for the Mobile Source Emissions Specialist include leading the effort in the advancement of electrifying the state’s passenger automobiles and electric charging infrastructure in cooperation with the efforts of the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other partners, assisting in the administration of the Volkswagen Settlement and Diesel Emission Reduction Act programs, participating in the Small Business Loan committee, fielding calls from the public regarding mobile source issues, as well as potentially leading/assisting in applying for applicable federal funding opportunities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of advanced professional experience with demonstrated ability to lead projects, including such activities as strategic planning, identifying skills and resources, identifying and measuring outcomes and implementing project plans (advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work);

Demonstrated environmental leadership to understand and communicate principles of sound environmental science.

Ability to work with the specific interests involved in environmental issues and policies and broad view of state, national and global environmental problems and solutions.

Effective human relations skills and knowledge of community-based social, political and economic considerations sufficient to work with a variety of stakeholders and staff, and lead and facilitate communication with members of governmental and non-governmental groups on complex and potentially controversial issues.

Ability to influence, negotiate, motivate and achieve consensus among a diverse range of audiences, individuals and groups to achieve program objectives and.

Technical writing and review, public presentation, computer and communications skills. 

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

Five years of advanced professional experience with demonstrated ability to lead projects, including such activities as strategic planning, identifying skills and resources, identifying and measuring outcomes and implementing project plans (advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work).

Knowledge of the MPCA’s rulemaking process, air permitting, as well as compliance & enforcement standards.

Knowledge related to vehicle emissions and electric vehicle operation and charging.

Knowledge of strategic planning and plan implementation, as well as project management.

Awareness of how small businesses function in this state, interact with MPCA, and the unique challenges faced.  

Demonstrated knowledge of contracting, grants, developing and managing budgets and fiscal management policies and procedures.

Working knowledge of performance measurement tools, business operations and record management systems.

Experience dealing with the Environmental Protection Agency and/or other federal agencies.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

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.