Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 89090
• Location : Various*
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 09/23/2025
• Closing Date : 10/06/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Municipal / Central Regional Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 5% of the time
• Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

* This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Detroit Lakes, Brainerd, Mankato or Marshall

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

As an Environmental Specialist 4 in the Central Regional Unit at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), you will be responsible for writing wastewater permits and conducting effluent limit reviews for municipal wastewater treatment facilities. You will also prepare reports, letters, and memoranda documenting effluent limit recommendations for incorporation into municipal National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits, helping to ensure the designated uses of the state's waters are maintained. Additionally, you will serve as a lead in policy and process development and implementation and will mentor new permit writers to support their skill development in routine permit production.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Two years of advanced professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience which includes working knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks implementing federal regulations, Minnesota statutes and rules, water quality standards, guidance, and policies as they pertain to complex NPDES/SDS and SDS permits. Complex permits include but are not limited to those involving water quality trading, nutrient management plans, variances, and River Eutrophication Standard limits.

AND

Strong communication and human relations skills to include the ability to review permit application documents, work with permitees, and other interested parties in written and verbal formats.

Experience assisting or mentoring staff on environmental protection issues and/or NPDES permitting.

Demonstrated strong technical writing skills and accomplished computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

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 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

Strong working knowledge of/experience with municipal water quality permits, pollutants, and emerging issues, and State and Federal water quality rules, regulations, policies, and processes.

Understand complex domestic wastewater treatment processes and rules/regulations.

Ability to successfully prepare and deliver presentations and training.

Ability to analyze environmental information and data to develop permit requirements, policy and program strategy recommendations, and to conceptualize alternative solutions to complex issues.

Effective communication and human relations skills sufficient to build and maintain constructive relationships with internal and external parties.

Physical Requirements

Statewide travel sitting in a car for extended periods of time to attend meetings, occasional lifting of boxes of files or educational materials, occasional visits to construction sites with rough terrain, and overnight travel.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

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 driver's license record 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 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 Adriunna Yang-Her at adriunna.yang-her@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 Adriunna Yang-Her at adriunna.yang-her@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.