Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Agency Policy Specialist

Job Class: Agency Policy Specialist

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 76593

• Location : Various

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 06/12/2024

• Closing Date : 06/25/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / Effluent Limits Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $32.71 - $48.51 / hourly; $68,298 - $101,288 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• 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

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 position exists to develop and adapt policy and rules associated with Minnesota’s implementation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The incumbent will lead the process of developing or revising Agency policy for the implementation of state and federal regulations related to water quality standards as implemented in effluent limits and permit conditions. The incumbent will inform priorities for revisions, amendments, and adoption of state water quality standards, support rulemaking where necessary, and refine strategies for implementing water quality standards in wastewater permits.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of advanced public policy or planning experience related to environmental protection. Experience must include support for public policy, engagement with the legislature, or implementing environmental rules or statutes.

Candidates should have a strong understanding of state and federal regulations pertaining to water quality standards and permitting.

Accomplished project skills sufficient to complete a number of high-level public policy projects.

Demonstrated problem-solving skills, both laterally and vertically, to determine appropriate actions.

Technical and administrative writing skills for report composition and professional correspondence as necessary to organize and effectively present ideas and information to the intended audience.

Proficiency in office computer skills.

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

A Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy and planning or environmental science.

A strong knowledge of water quality standards and the Administrative Procedures Act (APA) process for reviewing, updating, and amending them.

Familiarity with variances, site specific standards, use attainability analyses, and use and value determination. The incumbent should be familiar with the procedural steps, notification, and legal requirements necessary to issue variance.

Working knowledge of the process of deriving effluent limits from water quality standards.

Understanding state and federal administrative procedures and rules and regulations relative to water quality standards, assessments, development of permit limit, and implementation of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and Watershed Restoration and Protection (WRAP) activities.

Effective facilitation, interpersonal and communication skills to be able to facilitate sometimes difficult conversations with stakeholders.

Ability to effectively represent the MPCA before a variety of groups relative to social, economic, and environmental issues.

Accomplished leadership, planning, multi-tasking and organizational skills necessary to set and meet priorities, goals and objectives, monitor work, make decisions and follow up on implementation.

Ability to work in a team setting and collaborate with peers as well as to work independently under pressure and time constraints.

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

Position duties may require travel, but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.

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.