Environmental Specialist - Job ID 85382

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 three vacancies at the Environmental Specialist 1 or 2 level. These positions will be based out of the Detroit Lakes, Marshall, and Rochester office.

As an Environmental Specialist in the Tanks Compliance Unit, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the safety of Minnesota’s natural resources. You’ll be part of the team that ensures safe and compliant operations of underground storage tanks across the state, helping keep Minnesotans safe and our environment clean. You will be responsible for underground storage tank compliance and enforcement work, primarily based in one of the regional offices located in Detroit Lakes, Marshall, and the Rochester area as well as assist with inspections in other regions of the state as needed.

Your key responsibilities include conducting thorough inspections and evaluations of underground storage tanks in compliance with state and federal regulations, documenting detailed enforcement reports, following up on complaints, collaborating with your colleagues to ensure the administration of the underground storage tank program runs smoothly and effectively and enforce regulations, follow up on complaints and educating the public.

This is a great job for you if you are detail orientated with strong investigative skills, motivated by a commitment to environmental protection and public health, enjoy field work and are comfortable collaborating with others.

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist 1

Two years of environmental protection experience. OR

A Bachelor’s degree in environmental protection or related science field. (Students in their final semester of college should apply for the position and can start after their graduation date.)

Environmental Specialist 2

Three years of environmental protection experience OR

A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field AND one year of professional environmental protection experience.

All Candidates

Ability to manage multiple projects.

Ability to gain understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules.

Basic computer skill with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members.

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

Effectively represent the MPCA before a variety of groups relative to social, economic, and environmental issues.

Experience in performing compliance inspections and elevated enforcement actions, including experience with underground or above ground storage tank compliance inspections and experience administering penalties. 

Knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework.

Ability to understand complex industry processes and rules/regulations.

Participated in one of the state or agency’s student leadership pipeline programs such as Right Track, Step Up, Urban Scholar, Star of the North or Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers.

Physical Requirements

The position may be requested to conduct inspections anywhere in the state and stay overnight at times. Some infrequent lifting of sampling equipment and working out in the field in adverse weather conditions. Must be able to lift 50 pounds on a regular basis while inspecting (manhole covers). Ability to conduct inspections that 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. 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.