Working Title: Enterprise Sustainability Solid Waste and Communications Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: Administration Dept
Job ID : 93601
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/18/2026
Closing Date : 05/01/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
Division/Unit : Enterprise Sustainability
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - up to 5%
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 : Non-exempt
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.
Are you looking to make a difference in sustainability? We have a unique position that is both a sustainability advocate and a communications specialist to help advance the mission, goals, and objectives of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability (OES). To learn more about what we do in OES, visit sustainability.mn.gov .
The primary purpose and function of this position is to focus on sustainability communications and solid waste best practices across state agencies; develop, edit, and manage external materials (website, digital, and print); provide sustainability messaging, training, and educational resources to agency staff, coordinators, and the Lt. Governor; support enterprise-wide sustainability communication initiatives; and collaborate with agencies and contractors to implement solid waste best practices, including audits and reduction, reuse, recycling, and organics programs. Examples of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Providing subject matter technical assistance, advice, support, and training to sustainability coordinators, agency staff, and leadership.
Coordinating timely development and deployment of communication, newsletters, educational materials, training, and technical guidance documents related to initiatives across the Enterprise Sustainability portfolio for a variety of audiences.
Creating and distributing informational materials on best practices, emerging trends, and technologies.
Partnering with the OES Director and agency staff with recommendations for resource investment priorities, and direct vendors related to solid waste management improvements, reporting, and best practices.
Coordinating and/or leading special projects and events for stakeholders at state agency staff to participate in communications and implementation, along with developing and implementing interagency solutions to common waste diversion barriers.
Performing waste audits, developing needs surveys, preparing reports, and providing and implementing recommendations and improvements.
We are seeking an engaged team member who can handle problems that result from the difficulty of providing strategic direction in an environment in which competing interests, financial constraints, data limitations, and institutional culture restrict what is possible. With this in mind, the person in this position needs to think outside traditional norms to find innovative solutions that includes envisioning new ways to leverage technology, optimizing resource allocations, and fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and broadens perceptions.
If this description aligns with your career interests and describes you, please apply!
This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance will still be required for team meetings, to meet customer requirements, or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) for details.
In addition, traveling of up to 5% will be necessary, including some overnight stays.
Minimum Qualifications
The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.
Two (2) years of experience in communications and/or solid waste. Communications include editing, writing, and producing technical and journalistic documents/articles/communications. Solid waste includes auditing waste, assessing, and implementing best practices.
A Bachelor's degree in communications, environmental science, sustainability management, political science, economics, or related discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience as described.
An Associate's degree as specified may be substituted for six (6) months of experience.
Knowledge of communications practices and strategies related to environmental or sustainability issues, including, but not limited to, environmental interpretations, public engagement, employee engagement, change management, or other relevant fields.
Knowledge of solid waste tracking and reporting, bin best practices, and waste prevention, reuse, organics, recycling, and general solid waste management methods.
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis sufficient to evaluate program information and reports, diagnose problems, research alternative methods of services, and synthesize information into content accessible to all.
Strong organizational and project management skills, such as organizing many stakeholders and deliver multistep projects or processes.
Strong communication skills sufficient to effectively present complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Interpersonal and human relation skills to effectively relate to and work with a wide variety of individuals.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of state government/tribal functions, policies, procedures, and practices related to solid waste.
Knowledge of laws and administrative procedures sufficient to approve or disapprove grant funding and advise clients of program operations and requirements.
Ability to lead projects and coordinate programs.
Experience with developing new employee orientation and ongoing trainings or messaging around sustainability topics.
Experience with software tools, such as Captivate or other similar software used to develop online learning modules and their related accessibility and formatting compliance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and telecommunications programs and software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex, or Zoom).
Champion change by continuously seeking and examining best practices.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this job, repetitive movements will be required to perform word and data processing for extended periods of time. The incumbent may sit or stand for extended periods of time. The incumbent is regularly required to sit, use wrists, hands, and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The incumbent must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds with or without assistance. Examples of physical requirements may involve setting up and taking down tables, loading and unloading equipment into a vehicle, carrying totes, and lifting and carrying bags of trash and recycling. Working conditions in an office environment will primarily be under controlled temperatures.
While in transit to meet with stakeholders, partners, and/or customers at their preferred location(s), weather and road conditions may vary. The incumbent must obey all traffic laws and safety rules.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
This position involves a moderate degree of statewide travel, including some overnight stays. Traveling of up to 5% will be required to meet with stakeholders, partners, and/or customers at their preferred location(s). Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record and insurance or have reliable transportation.
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.
