Hazardous Waste - Environmental Specialist 1 or 2

Working Title: Hazardous Waste
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 1 or 2
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Location: Marshall or Detroit Lakes
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers at the ES 1 or ES 2 level.
• Date Posted: 09/15/2023
• Closing Date: 09/28/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Industrial Division / Hazardous Waste Compliance Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 30% of the time
• Environmental Specialist 1 Salary Range: $22.61 - $32.71 / hourly; $47,210 - $68,298 / annually
• Environmental Specialist 2 Salary Range: $24.20 - $35.13 / hourly; $50,530 - $73,351 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This posting is to fill two vacant Environmental Specialist 1 or 2 positions

This position is located within the Hazardous Waste Compliance and enforcement Unit within the Air and Land Compliance/Enforcement Section at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This position performs work in the efforts related to hazardous waste management, generator reporting, fees, and hazardous waste licenses and conduct hazardous waste facility inspections Northwest and Southwest Minnesota. The functions of this position include inspection and evaluation of compliance with federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and state hazardous waste laws, regulations, rules and permits. It also includes; follow up on complaints, documenting and communicating inspection findings as appropriate for the administration of the hazardous waste program; encouragement and negotiation of compliance steps with applicable statues, rules and permits. Preparing all applicable enforcement actions pertaining to the compliance inspections. Serve as a liaison between the MPCA and the local units of government to promote partnerships to implement local components of the program. Assist in education efforts related to the program. The incumbent must have the ability to become knowledgeable of state and federal hazardous waste rules and programs, especially as they relate to hazardous waste generation, storage, and disposal.

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist 1

A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field; OR

Two years of environmental protection experience.

Environmental Specialist 2

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

Three years of environmental protection experience

AND

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

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

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

Ability to play a major role in public participation programs.

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.

Knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework.

Ability to understand complex industry processes and rules/regulations.

Effective in communicating to individuals or in large group settings.

Physical Requirements

The position may be requested to conduct inspections anywhere in the state and stay overnight at times. Sometimes working out in the field in adverse weather conditions. 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.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us or 651-757-2774.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us.

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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.