Job ID 90723 - Air Compliance Specialist

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

As an air compliance specialist located within the Air Compliance Section at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the position will coordinate and perform multiple compliance determination and assistance activities for effective administration of the statewide Air Stack Test and Monitoring program (STAMP). The incumbent helps lead planning and direction of STAMP operations and initiatives. They will provide oversight of pretest coordination through review of approximately 300 performance tests annually by the team to ensure compliance with air emission requirements.  As well as managing the testing and review, the incumbent provides technical guidance serving as a primary resource and decision-maker for other MPCA staff, regulated parties, consultants, and the public.  Follow-up of determinations of noncompliance or unacceptable test results are a primary concern. The incumbent assists MPCA enforcement actions. The need exists to routinely communicate and engage with air permitting as well as other air program staff to develop requirements and regulatory language that is appropriate and enforceable. The incumbent must function well as part of a team managing workloads, setting policy, and meeting goals as a collective.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an environmental protection or related science area and two (2) years of professional-level environmental protection experience associated with determining compliance with environmental regulations and preparing, issuing, and oversight of enforcement actions and/or experience issuing permits OR

Three years of professional-level environmental experience as described above AND 

Ability to manage multiple projects.

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules.

Accomplished computer skills with proficiency in Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook, etc. as well as data system entry and use.

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

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

Previous stack test or compliance and enforcement-related experience in a regulatory compliance position

Knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework and their applicability to air emission facilities. 

Strong communication and customer service skills including conflict resolution experience.

Understanding of complex technical processes and associated rules/regulations.

Appreciation for consistency as well as independent decision making.

Knowledge of data systems and related reporting tools for effective utilization and tracking of data.

State and federal administrative procedures and rules and regulations relative to enforcement activities including Administrative Orders, Administrative Penalty Orders, etc. and litigation processes.

Ability to question, in written and verbal formats, regulated parities to better understand the reasons behind reported deviations and noncompliance issues and maintain an accurate and complete record of the inquiry.

Work effectively with people representing a broad spectrum of positions in business, government, and environmental groups.

Exposure to program management and/or continuous improvement projects. 

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. Ability to conduct inspections that involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles.

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 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 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.