Senior Environmentalist - Project and Grant Management

The Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department (EED) is seeking an experienced Senior Environmentalist to coordinate environmental assessment and cleanup activities at county project sites, provide technical assistance for environmental and contamination risk management and regulatory compliance, and assist with the administration of environmental grant and loan programs as part of its Contaminated Lands Program.
 
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.
 
Location and hours:
This position is hybrid, working primarily remote. When in-person office work is required, the office location is the Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department at 701 Fourth Avenue South, Suite 700, Minneapolis. 90% of the position is office work; 10% of the position is field work primarily consisting of site inspections. Work hours will typically be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.  While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.  

New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment. 

About the position type:
This is a full-time, benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as an Environmentalist, Senior.
Click here to view the job classification specification.

In this position, you will:  

• Administer the County’s established environmental grant and loan programs, including the Environmental Response Fund program and U.S. EPA brownfields grant funded work. This Includes reviewing grant application and leading selection committee discussions, overseeing half of the grant-funded projects annually, developing grant contracts, conducting outreach with funding applicants and recipients, tracking budgets and timelines, and reviewing reimbursement requests.
• Perform project management duties related to directing and overseeing consultants performing environmental due diligence for county-owned properties and projects in which the county has an interest.  Projects may include county facilities, trails, roads, bridges, petroleum storage and fueling facilities, and other county-managed construction and redevelopment projects, including residential, commercial, and occasional industrial sites. The work may include: 
  • Developing scope of work, reviewing technical reports, developing construction specifications to manage contamination on redevelopment projects, and preparing summary reports for use by non-technical partners. 
  • Directing consultants in conducting Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, Response Action Plan (RAP) development and implementation, asbestos and lead-based paint assessment and abatement and coordinating with regulatory agencies. 
  • Administering consulting contracts and monitoring project scope, schedule, budget, and equitable usage.
  • Conducting on-site inspections of consultants performing construction contingency or RAP implementation activities. 
• Provide technical assistance to county departments and external partners regarding environmental contamination and regulatory requirements, site cleanup, and grant programs.
• Represent the county at public meetings relating to county projects which will include developing presentations and presenting at public and internal meetings.
• Prepare written communications on behalf of the department including grant applications, project summaries, and legislation and policy review documents.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in geology/hydrogeology, environmental science/studies, environmental policy, engineering, environmental health, physical or naturals science, business administration, public administration, or a field related to the position and two years or more of experience in in work related to the assignment.
  • Associate's degree in a field closely related to the assignment and four years or more of experience in work related to the assignment.
• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation for travel to various sites throughout Hennepin County. 

Nice to have:   

• Five years or more of experience conducting or directing environmental due diligence including Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments and petroleum or other chemical release investigations and cleanups in conjunction with Minnesota or other state regulatory agency voluntary programs.
• Current certifications for 40-hour OSHA Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER).
• Experience with:
  • Environmental site assessments, investigations, and cleanup on redevelopment sites and transportation corridors and applicable regulations. 
  • Contracting and project management.
  • Reviewing construction plans and specifications.
  • Coordinating environmental projects and/or programs with multiple partners.
  • Grant application writing and grant funding administration.
  • Creating presentations and preparing written documents explaining technical concepts and information for diverse and non-technical audiences. 
  • Using Microsoft Office programs (Word, PowerPoints, and Excel) and having basic working knowledge of GIS.  
  • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's brownfields program guidelines or experience with similar programs in other states.
  • Stormwater management and natural resource protection and enhancement strategies on redevelopment sites.
• Familiarity with asbestos and lead-based paint regulations and related assessment and abatement, including ability to obtain asbestos inspector training and certification.
• Ability to:
  • Manage multiple active projects.
  • Communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the organization and the public.
  • Establish and maintain, effective working relationships with the public and other professionals including teams comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise.

About the department:
 The Environment and Energy department protects and preserves the environment to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations.  We engage communities to develop and enact sustainable solutions. We focus on reducing and responsibly managing waste, protecting and preserving ecosystems, delivering clean energy and promoting environmental stewardship.
About Hennepin County:
 Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals -- that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.
 
 Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at www.hennepin.us/employees .
 
 Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
 
 Your future. Made here.
 
You must include a cover letter to be considered for this position.
 
 This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.

 Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
If you have any questions, please contact: 
Tanisha Foster
Tanisha.Foster@hennepin.us