Working Title: Site Assessment Project Coordinator - Environmental Specialist 3
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 3
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID : 88649
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/09/2025
Closing Date : 09/22/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit : REM SITE ASSESSMENT UNIT 1
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly; $64,310 - $94,941 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
*This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato.
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.
This posting is being used to fill 2 vacancies.
This position provides comprehensive project management and direction for sites within the Superfund Site Assessment (SA) Program, with a primary focus on addressing the high-priority backlog of sites that pose the greatest potential risk to human health and the environment. The role involves overseeing both State Fund-financed and Responsible Party-led projects, from initial environmental investigations to determining and implementing necessary cleanup or building mitigation actions. A key objective of this position is to drive a progressive reduction in the high-risk site backlog referred to the program and directly improving public health and environmental outcomes.
Key responsibilities include reviewing and supporting the prioritization of sites referred through the SA process, with a particular emphasis on the pool of +100 high-priority sites currently backlogged, generating investigative scopes of work, and implementing investigations to assess risks. This position will actively manage contractors, oversee budgeting specifically allocated to backlog reduction efforts, and conduct rigorous technical reviews of investigation, mitigation, and remedial reports. A critical aspect of the role is communicating project steps, progress, and results to various stakeholders, including peers, MPCA leadership, the MPCA Commissioner's Office, local elected officials, and members of the public, ensuring strategic progress and efficient resolution of environmental concerns.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in environmental sciences (i.e. Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology Water Resources, Soil Science etc.) or other closely related environmental field and two years of professional-level environmental experience that includes environmental investigations with an understanding of the principals of remediation, soil, groundwater, surface water and/or soil gas investigations.
OR
Three years of 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 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
Knowledge and/or experience with the investigation, mitigation and remediation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane, and for common contaminants in various media (i.e., soil, groundwater, drinking water, soil vapor, indoor air).
Demonstrated ability to effectively manage complex environmental projects from beginning to end with high attention to detail.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
Experience in developing, implementing and administering contracts and overseeing contractors.
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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
