Working Title: Interagency Permitting Liaison
Job Class: Agency Policy Specialist
Agency: Department of Employment and Economic Development
Job ID : 91927
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, may be eligible for some telework.
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 02/18/2026.
Date Posted : 02/12/2026
Closing Date : 02/25/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Employment and Economic Development / MAPE
Division/Unit : Business Community Development Business Development
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00AM to 4:30PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 20% of the time
Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
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.
The Interagency Permitting Liaison is responsible for coordinating the process of development, implementation, and administration of state permits required by complex business projects operating or intending to operate in Minnesota. In this capacity, this position specifically coordinates efforts of the Minnesota Business First Stop (MBFS) to provide permitting navigation and to support consistent, transparent statewide permitting policy application for businesses operating or intending to operate in Minnesota. Consequently, this position ensures coordination and understanding between federal, state, and local governmental units regarding permitting policies, procedures, and practices relating to air, water, and land resources to ensure permitting processes are resolved efficiently while impacted parties and stakeholders are kept engaged and informed.
The incumbent strives to effectively channel business permitting needs through the appropriate entities while identifying systemic policy or process issues that may warrant clarification or improvement.
This position works closely with Minnesota businesses, permitting staff at various state agencies and DEED business units leading interagency coordination across MBFS members. The position may also work with Responsible Governmental Units (RGUs), the Environmental Quality Board (EQB), and other local, regional and federal permitting agencies to ensure permitting-related inquiries associated to businesses operating or intending to operate in Minnesota are addressed effectively and permitting navigation is provided when projects reach the permitting stage.
The Interagency Permitting Liaison:
Coordinates the efforts of the MBFS multiagency collaboration to ensure alignment with pertinent federal, regional and local permitting authorities (cities and counties), economic development partners, utilities and other stakeholders involved in Minnesota's permitting process.Assist businesses and their related parties- e.g., site selection, engineering and environmental consultants - in obtaining necessary permits, reviews, and other approvals required to operate in the state.
Assesses, documents, tracks and reports data and analysis for all projects assisted by the MBFS as well as changes to state and federal laws, regulations, rules, procedures and policies regarding permitting for businesses operating or intending to operate in Minnesota. Leverages data insights to formulate actionable recommendations that enhance policies, optimize procedures, and streamline business permitting processes.
Serves as DEED's technical representative on the EQB, provides assistance with updated plans for the MBFS, responds to requests, and provides periodic reports and research as deemed appropriate by management.
Performs other duties as assigned
This position requires occasional statewide travel.
This position is telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.
This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.
Minimum Qualifications
Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Three (3) years* of experience in environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, or interagency coordination.
*Bachelor's degree in environmental science, public policy, engineering, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; master's degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.
Applicants that meet the above minimum qualification will be further evaluated on the following:
Experience interpreting and applying complex federal, state, and local environmental statutes, rules, and administrative codes, with an understanding of Minnesota's permitting processes, land use law, and environmental regulations.
Experience managing complex projects simultaneously, including developing and implementing work plans, timelines, and project tracking systems.
Skill in communication to convey technical and policy concepts to diverse audiences, including businesses, consultants, legislators, and the public.
Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
Experience monitoring budgets and maintaining accurate program/project records.
Incumbent must maintain valid driver's license and insurance OR have other reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience resolving complex permitting issues across multiple jurisdictions.
Knowledge of state agency operations and local government structures related to environmental programs.
Experience leading interagency teams and advancing independent work streams.
Experience negotiating and building consensus to align stakeholders with competing interests.
Experience developing policy recommendations, legislative reports, and program proposals, with the ability to analyze trends and data to drive systemic improvements in permitting processes.
Our employees are dedicated to ensuring cultural responsiveness. Preferred candidates will have a variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
Additional Requirements
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. The background check may consist of the following components:
Criminal Background Check
Employment Records Check (current and former State employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Driver's License and Records Check
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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.
