Working Title: Climate Smart Food Systems Grant Program Lead - Planner Principal State
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID : 90104
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/12/2025
Closing Date : 12/02/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit : RMAD SustainMaterial MgmtUnit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
End Date : 12/31/2028
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
*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 is a temporary unclassified position anticipated to last up to 3 years.
This position exists to provide policy expertise and inter- and intra-agency coordination on prevention of waste food and organic management grants and loans for the Minnesota Climate Smart Food System Initiative (CSFS). The Minnesota CSFS Initiative is a suite of programs focused on a holistic approach to reduce climate pollution and build equity in Minnesota's food systems. The CSFS Initiative is funded by a 5-year grant through the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. This position provides policy leadership related to the development, implementation, and overall coordination of the prevention of wasted food and organics management work. This position works closely with the Climate Smart Food Systems Initiative Coordinator, program staff, and grants specialists to implement the assigned area of the program.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years advanced professional experience planning, implementing, and evaluating work and/or initiatives in the areas of food and organic waste prevention, reuse, recycling or diversion including related work in grant administration. (A bachelor's degree in physical sciences, environmental sciences, geography, sustainability, public health, public policy, or related field can substitute for 1 year of experience)
AND
Ability or experience in leading project teams, tracking progress and managing toward the achievement of a common goal in a specified timeframe.
Experience in project management and developing and implementing plans, projects, and deliverables effectively.
Excellent communications kills, including the ability to effectively communicate in written and oral communication with various audiences.
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
Professional experience planning and implementing grant programs and leading public input processes.
Knowledge of climate change pollution reduction policies and strategies, with a particular focus on food waste/organics management.
Experience working with grants, either grant-making, managing grant-funded work, or both.
Knowledge of organics prevention, rescue/reuse, composting, anaerobic digestion or similar management methods.
Ability to work with groups of people with different perspectives and interests on shared projects and programs.
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.
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.
