Working Title: Wastewater Compliance and Enforcement
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 1 or 2
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID : 89918
Location : Mankato
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 10/30/2025
Closing Date : 11/19/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit : Municipal Division / South Regional Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 20% of the time
Environmental Specialist 1 Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
Environmental Specialist 2 Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
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 position exists to perform compliance and enforcement activities which are critical to successful implementation of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the State Disposal System (SDS) permit programs. The position works to implement the NPDES/SDS program by conducting compliance inspections and file reviews, writing compliance evaluation reports, determining and initiating appropriate enforcement as applicable (including negotiation of enforcement actions to resolve violations of NPDES and SDS permits or applicable state rules and statutes), providing compliance assistance to permittees as necessary, and following up on wastewater related complaints. This position will help implement the NPDES/SDS program in the South region which may include projects as assigned in addition to the above listed activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Environmental Specialist 1
Two years of 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.)
Environmental Specialist 2
Three years of environmental protection experience OR
A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field AND one year of professional environmental protection experience.
All Candidates
Ability to manage multiple projects.
Ability to gain understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules.
Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members.
Valid Class D 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
Knowledge of principles and practices of construction, hydrology, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
Experience in performing compliance inspections and elevated enforcement actions.
An understanding of NPDES and SDS permitting rules and regulations.
Good technical and administrative writing skills necessary to organize and effectively present ideas to the intended audience. Public speaking, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Students who have participated in one of 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 are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
Statewide travel via car for extended periods of time to attend inspections or meetings, occasional lifting of boxes of files or educational materials, occasional visits to construction or complaint sites with rough terrain, and overnight travel.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per Agency Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B status).
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
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.
