Environmental Specialist Job ID 86992

Job Summary

This position exists to perform project management of sites in the Superfund Site Assessment family of programs. Specific duties include directing the management of environmental investigations related to evaluation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) occurrences in public water supply systems to determine potential source areas in addition to identifying, sampling, and treatment of private drinking water wells.

The Superfund Site Assessment process is used to evaluate potential releases of hazardous substances that may pose a threat to human health or the environment and also to respond to contamination that has been identified. The process is guided by criteria established under the state and federal superfund law. The incumbent will be tasked with decision making at projects under guidance and direction of program and Agency leadership. 

The MPCA Superfund Site Assessment Program is charged with responding to several emerging environmental issues and as such is a work environment where workflows can change or evolve rapidly, requiring employees to pivot quickly in response. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, or related field and two years of professional experience conducting project management of environmental protection or pollution control experience.

OR

Three years professional-level experience in project management of environmental protection or pollution control experience that includes environmental investigations with an understanding of the principals of remediation, soil, groundwater, surface water and/or soil gas investigations.

AND the ability to:

Develop and implement work plans.

Independently complete assignments in a timely manner. 

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and procedures.

Effectively coordinate and serve as a team member and understand the environmental, social and economic impacts of procurement.

Engage and communicate with diverse stakeholders and team members.

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

Knowledge of the overall state and federal environmental regulatory framework related to environmental investigations and cleanup of non-petroleum contaminated properties with specific knowledge related to contaminants of emerging concern such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane.

Demonstrated ability to effectively manage complex projects from beginning to end with high attention to detail.

Advanced written and verbal communication skills. 

Experience communicating to various internal and external audiences on topics related to human health or environmental projects. Direct experience related to stakeholder engagement, a plus. 

Experience in developing, implementing and administering grant programs and contracts.

Experience working with diverse communities.

Experience leading teams and experience with conflict resolution.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver's license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.

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, andto 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.