Environmental Specialist 4 - Detroit Lakes, United States - Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Description

Working Title: Environmental Specialist 4
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/26/2024
• Closing Date: 05/09/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Watershed / Northwest Watershed Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $ $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• 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.

Job Summary

This position exists to provide project development, project management, and technical and programmatic support to Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) projects, Section 319 Watershed grants, Clean Water Partnership (CWP) loans, Flood Damage Reduction (FDR) projects, and other special projects to protect and/or improve water quality in the Red River Basin. The ultimate purpose of these projects is to improve and/or protect water quality through the restoration of impaired waters and/or the protection of unimpaired waters.

The position is also responsible to ensure MPCA data, information, and strategies are integrated into One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) planning efforts and updates, as well as regulatory and assistance programs carried out by state agencies.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Hydrology, Natural Resources, Limnology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or other similar ecological or environmental sciences, AND

Two years of advanced professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience which includes working knowledge of water resource concerns, hydrology and understanding of water pollution control science and technology (e.g., advanced professional level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work.)

Ability to coordinate and lead a group or groups of watershed stakeholders (including state agency staff, soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts, counties, local resource professionals, and citizens) with diverse memberships and occasional conflicting priorities.

Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, and planning/organization skills sufficient to independently perform senior-level professional work.

Advanced technical writing and administrative skills.

Advanced knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and Excel.

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

Working knowledge of watershed management principles and practices, limnology, hydrology, stream ecology, and contaminant transport principles, particularly in the context of Northwest Minnesota. This natural science knowledge must be balanced with an understanding of social, political, and economic considerations.

Demonstrated ability to independently complete projects and deliverables pertaining to water quality restoration and protection. Knowledge of water quality standards and designated uses to be able to sufficiently explain to stakeholders and to develop projects that will return water quality to standards and designated uses.

Experience and or knowledge of contracting and grants/loans policies and procedures, and budgeting, sufficient to follow and keep accurate records.

Project management experience especially that pertaining to watershed management projects (WRAPS, TMDL, CWP loans, and 319 grants).

Proficient in Graphic Information System (GIS) software manipulation and editing.

Familiarity with water quality models and the application of their outputs in watershed management.

Experience and training related to Tribal - State Relations.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and step over obstacles in uneven terrain. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders and boxes, tools, or heavier materials with help from others and/or moving light objects frequently. A job in this category may require maintaining a stationary position to a significant degree or may involve a certain amount of moving 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.

Application Details

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 or email . For additional information about the application process, go to .

If you have questions about the position, contact Donovan Baugh at .

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 Donovan Baugh at .

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 or email and indicate what assistance is needed.