Environmental Consultant
Job Summary
This position provides strategic, administrative direction and leadership, both internally and externally, for the Minnesota Nutrient Reduction Strategy (NRS). The Minnesota NRS exists to provide specific goals and a framework for reducing phosphorus and nitrogen levels for both in-state waters and downstream international waters, including the Gulf of Mexico, Lake Winnipeg and Lake Superior. The NRS is adopted by 11 state, regional and national organizations.
This position is responsible for promoting and ensuring integrated management of nutrient reduction efforts with external partners and across the agency (MPCA), including point source and nonpoint source watershed efforts. This position also serves as a communicator and conduit for information between the MPCA and external parties on issues related to nutrient management and the NRS.
A primary function of the role is to serve as the lead coordinator of the Interagency NRS Steering and Technical Committees and to participate when needed on the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force which includes states and federal organizations, including the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association to promote collaboration, communications, and coordination among the external partners. Working with the NRS Steering and Technical committees, this position will help pull together report components and edit, revise and write portions of the NRS and to track and report on progress toward the goals.
This position will also be instrumental in setting up and managing contracts and interagency agreements valuable to the whole NRS process and is the primary contact/liaison for internal MPCA programs involved with NRS revision and implementation efforts and will assist in coordination and implementation of any initiatives undertaken by the Interagency NRS Steering Team. The NRS Coordinator serves as the conduit for nutrient and NRS related information within the MPCA, between the MPCA and other agencies, and between the MPCA and external parties outside of Minnesota agencies – other states, multi-state associations, EPA, stakeholders, legislators, etc. – on issues related to the NRS.
Minimum Qualifications
- Three years of advanced professional experience in environmental program management working with nutrients, their management, their movement in the environment, and their ecological effects in areas of water quality. Experience should include an understanding of water monitoring and related data, modeling, risk assessment, remediation/restoration, strategic watershed planning; with demonstrated ability to convene and lead teams, lead projects and strategic planning, identifying skills and resources, identifying and measuring outcomes and implementing project plans. (Internal candidates - advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work with working knowledge of nutrient best management practices (BMPs) and related programs).
- Effective human relations skills sufficient to work with a variety of business partners and staff, and lead and facilitate communication with members of governmental and non-governmental groups on complex issues.
- The ability to plan, coordinate, influence, negotiate with other agency staff, other government agencies or departments and state contractors.
- Good technical writing, public presentation, computer and communications skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- A degree in biology, environmental science, soils, geology, the aquatic sciences, agronomy or a related field.
- Working knowledge of the principles of major environmental regulatory and voluntary programs and federal and state laws, including the Clean Water Act, and the roles and responsibilities of Minnesota agencies.
- Knowledge of the legislative processes sufficient to demonstrate political astuteness to support current programs, coordinate complicated program initiatives, plan for contingencies, and establish working agreements and priorities.
- A knowledge of the roles, programs, and areas of expertise among various state, regional and national organizations which work on water quality issues, especially those involving nutrients.
- Skill in working with others sufficient to build networks of colleagues throughout the public and private sectors and to effectively persuade clients, interested parties in the private sector, and other government officials by understanding complex and oftentimes, competing relationships and political agendas.
- Fiscal planning and budget management skills, including experience with state fiscal, contracting, and procurement databases and procedures.
- Strong communications skills, including the ability to communicate complex scientific information to a variety of audiences.
- Creative problem-solving skills to create new strategies and approaches to resolve complex problems.
The ability to:
- Write reports, bulletins, factsheets, procedures, rules, and correspondence sufficient to describe, promote and justify current and future program initiatives and outcomes.
- Work with the specific interests involved in environmental issues and policies and broad view of state, national and global environmental problems and solutions.
- Adapt to continuous organizational and program changes sufficient to work constructively under pressure and cope with ambiguity and setbacks.
- Exercise sound judgment and discretion in developing, applying and interpreting policy and procedure.
- Data analysis and data management experience sufficient to identify and report information that is critical to program issues and decision-making.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment.
Additional Requirements
Driver’s License:
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.
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Suzette Henry at suzette.henry@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 Suzette Henry at suzette.henry@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.