Environmental Specialist 1 - Air Compliance & Enforcement

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

12 paid holidays

Job summary

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is seeking a qualified inspector to conduct air pollutant emission facility inspections and respond to complaints. The role includes analyzing compliance data, following up with regulated parties, and taking enforcement action when necessary.

The incumbent applies knowledge of state and federal rules related to air quality, permits, and policy requirements, and leads investigations into emissions, controls, and testing methods.

Qualifications

• 2-year environmental protection experience performing duties such as analysis, sampling, exercising judgment, and relying on areas of specialized knowledge or 1 year of professional environmental protection experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects.
• Basic computer skills with Word; exposure to Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Conduct permitted air pollutant emission facility inspections and respond to complaints.
• Analyze compliance data and follow up with regulated parties, including enforcement when needed.
• Lead and support compliance and enforcement activities under state and federal rules.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental protection or related science field

Job description

This position exists to conduct permitted air pollutant emission facility inspections, respond to complaints, and conduct appropriate follow-up enforcement action when violations are identified. The incumbent analyzes compliance data collected by numerous methods for determination of compliance, and conducts appropriate follow-up with the regulated parties, including enforcement when needed. This position will apply knowledge of state and federal rules and programs related to air quality rule, permit, and policy requirements, and lead and provide support for compliance and enforcement activities. The incumbent conducts investigations and evaluations relating to source air quality compliance, types and emissions rates of pollutants, and emission control technology, and related emission limits, standards, testing methods and operating requirements found in state and federal rules.

Minimum Qualifications

2-year environmental protection experience performing duties such as: analysis, sampling, exercising judgment, and relying on areas of specialized knowledge or 1 year of professional environmental protection experience

OR

A bachelor’s degree in environmental protection or related science field.

(Students in their final semester of college should apply for the position and can start after their graduation date.)

AND

Ability to manage multiple projects.

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.

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 OTP 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 require employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in performing compliance inspections and elevated enforcement actions.

Knowledge of the overall state and federal environmental regulatory framework related to environmental investigations and the Clean Air Act.

Ability to understand complex industry processes and rules/regulations.

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

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

Participated in one the state or agency’s student leadership pipeline programs such as Right Track, Step Up, Urban Scholar, Star of the North or Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers.

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

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 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
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification where applicable

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jillian Johnson at [e-mail]

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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.