Environmental Specialist - Job ID 90534

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 position exists to carry out permitting, inspection, and compliance/enforcement activities for the MPCA’s Feedlot Program. The incumbent will review and issue feedlot permits; inspect feedlots to determine compliance with permits and regulations; develop appropriate responses to non-compliance, including formal enforcement actions; educate and assist feedlot owners and their consultants on feedlot requirements; and support delegated county feedlot officers with guidance and training.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in environmental protection, or closely related field 

OR 

Two (2) years of technical/professional-level environmental protection experience 

Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements). 

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. 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. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications 

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

Experience in performing compliance inspections and enforcement actions. 

Knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework, including knowledge of feedlot rules and regulations. 

Ability to understand complex feedlot industry processes and rules/regulations. 

Effectively communicate to individuals or in large group settings. 

Experience with animal-producer groups or individual feedlot producers. 

Knowledge of land application of manure and nutrient management.

Physical Requirements

This position conducts field work in challenging environments across Minnesota. Moderate to heavy physical exertion is necessary in a variety of outdoor weather and environmental conditions. The incumbent must be able to carry field equipment weighing up to 50 pounds over rough terrain on land.

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.

It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: 

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check 
• Education Verification 
• Employment Reference / Records Check 
• License / Certification Verification where applicable
   

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.