Wastewater Compliance and Enforcement - Environmental Specialist 1 or 2

Job Details

Working Title: Wastewater Compliance and Enforcement
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 1 or 2
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID: 89918
• Location: Mankato
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/30/2025
• Closing Date: 11/19/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Municipal Division / South Regional Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 20% of the time
• Environmental Specialist 1 Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
• Environmental Specialist 2 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: Nonexempt
• 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 exists to perform compliance and enforcement activities which are critical to successful implementation of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the State Disposal System (SDS) permit programs. The position works to implement the NPDES/SDS program by conducting compliance inspections and file reviews, writing compliance evaluation reports, determining and initiating appropriate enforcement as applicable (including negotiation of enforcement actions to resolve violations of NPDES and SDS permits or applicable state rules and statutes), providing compliance assistance to permittees as necessary, and following up on wastewater related complaints. This position will help implement the NPDES/SDS program in the South region which may include projects as assigned in addition to the above listed activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist 1
Two years of environmental protection experience. OR
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental protection or related science field. (Students in their final semester of college should apply for the position and can start after their graduation date.)

Environmental Specialist 2
Three years of environmental protection experience OR
A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field AND one year of professional environmental protection experience.

All Candidates
Ability to manage multiple projects.
Ability to gain understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules.
Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members.
Valid Class D 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

Knowledge of principles and practices of construction, hydrology, chemistry, biology, and environmental science.
Experience in performing compliance inspections and elevated enforcement actions.
An understanding of NPDES and SDS permitting rules and regulations.
Good technical and administrative writing skills necessary to organize and effectively present ideas to the intended audience. Public speaking, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Students who have participated in one of the State or Agency's student leadership pipeline programs such as Right Track, Step Up, Urban Scholar, Star of the North or Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

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

Additional Requirements

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.