Employer:

Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 88622
• 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 : 09/04/2025
• Closing Date : 09/24/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Environmental Quality Board
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes
• Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
• Job Class Option : Environmental
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : 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.

Job Summary

This position leads the statewide Environmental Review (ER) Program on behalf of the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). The person in this position provides oversight and guidance to program staff on implementing the program's workplan and daily responsibilities, including: daily operations, such as publishing the EQB Monitor and providing technical assistance; environmental review rule interpretation; communications with implementing agencies, units of government, and their staff; and developing recommendations for Chair and Board decisions. This position directly implements higher-level projects including rulemaking; complex program decisions or programmatic recommendations; and strategic planning efforts. In addition, this position leads interagency coordination, including managing interagency projects, and is responsible for partner and stakeholder relationship building and outreach.

Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:

Four (4) years of advanced-professional experience coordinating and developing statewide, long-range plans for environmental, natural resources, land use, urban/regional planning, other related governmental area with knowledge of the principles and practices of diverse areas of environmental program management. (Example: Advanced professional-level experience within MPCA is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist: Environmental Specialist 3, Hydro 2, SPA Sr./Planner Sr., or higher-level work)

OR

Bachelor's degree in and three (3) years advanced professional environmental experience as described above. (A Master's degree in a field listed above would substitute for one year of experience.)

AND

Demonstrated planning and project management skills.

Ability to review and evaluate technical documents.

Strong writing and public speaking skills to communicate with a variety of audiences, including the Board and Board chair as final decision-makers.

Effective human relations skills to work with clientele and staff, problem-solving skills for resolving technical matters, and the ability to bring projects to a conclusion.

Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements).

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with environmental review, such as demonstrated experience administering (e.g., writing, editing, managing) Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAWs) and/or Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) documents.

Knowledge of and experience with environmental governance and regulatory structures (at the state level), including the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act and Minn. R. chapter 4410. .

Ability to:

Communicate sufficiently to achieve organizational goals, to coach and advise other program staff, and to support programs in resolving differences of opinion and creating a collaborative path forward.

Communicate complicated information to interested individuals and groups, and provide information to committees, legislators, and in other public forums.

Work with a number of state agencies in the development of coordinating programs.

Establish and maintain effective working relations with environmental review partners and stakeholders, such as public officials and planning groups.

Skills in negotiation and consensus building as the position will work with diverse individuals and organizations to find solutions to complex public policy and environmental management problems.

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

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.

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Donovan Baugh at donovan.baugh@state.mn.us .

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Donovan Baugh at donovan.baugh@state.mn.us .

About Pollution Control Agency

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups, and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.