Working Title: Environmental Specialist - Environmental Specialist 1
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 1
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID : 91076
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/30/2025
Closing Date : 01/20/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit : Land Permits & Permitting Dev.
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 20% of the time
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / 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 will be used to fill two vacancies.
The incumbent for this position will work closely with staff in the Safer and Sustainable Products Unit to identify and respond to noncompliance related to mercury in consumer products, with a specific focus on cosmetics and skin care products. The position will focus approximately 25% on education and outreach and 75% on compliance and enforcement. The incumbent will conduct investigations, review relevant lab testing results and data, coordinate responses, and recommend enforcement actions. They will develop educational materials in conjunction with other program and communications staff, and support education and outreach efforts to retailers and consumers on the dangers of using mercury-containing products.
Minimum Qualifications
One year 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.)
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 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
Ability to understand complex industry processes and rules/regulations.
Ability to effectively communicate scientific information to a general audience using plain language.
Interpersonal and customer service skills.
Strong written communication skills.
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.
Demonstrated organizational and project management skills to effectively document and keep track of data and projects.
Students who have 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 are encouraged to apply.
Physical Requirements
The position will be requested to conduct site visits and inspections. May involve transporting files, equipment, or safety gear in and out of vehicles and buildings.
Additional Requirements
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
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.
