Water Quality Trading Program Coordinator Job ID 71394

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Job Summary

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is looking for an experienced environmental professional to develop and implement a statewide Water Quality Trading program and coordinate with external parties and across various state, local, federal and private entities. This person will provide high level leadership, coordination, policy and program development, communication, and technical expertise to build and lead a successful and robust water quality trading system. This position will support the development of successful water quality trading projects as it pertains to National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Disposal System (SDS) water quality permitting and the state’s various water programs. The incumbentwill serve as the agency’s water quality trading representative in meetings with external stakeholders and other state, local and federal agencies.

They will also implement and provide recommendations to agency leadership in the development and implementation of strategic and policy-level water quality trading activities, including:

• Creating policies and procedures for the development of a water quality trading program, projects, and a tracking system.
• Developing new processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the permitting programs as they connect with water quality trading.
• Leading the Agency’s Water Quality Trading efforts, working closely with the existing water quality trading team.
• Continuing development and updating of internal guidance documents and external engagement efforts, including informational pieces and educational programs related to water quality trading.
• Increasing external engagement as it relates to water quality opportunities and providing understanding around the cost-effective water quality trading projects that can provide substantial water quality benefits within watersheds.
• Leading the coordination of the states Ag-Urban partnership forum, which is a partnership between MPCA, BWSR and MDA

Additionally, they will also assist with the coordination between permitting and watershed programs as it relates to total maximum daily load (TMDL) development and implementation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in an environmental protection or related science and two years of advanced professional-level experience in water quality point source, TMDLs, NPDES/SDS, water quality trading efforts.  (Advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work).
OR 
Four years of advanced professional-level experience in water quality point source, TMDLs, NPDES/SDS, water quality trading efforts.  (Advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work).

Proven ability to balance competing interests related to environmental issues and policies and state, national and global environmental problems and solutions. 

Experience leading and facilitating communication with members of various levels of governmental and non-governmental groups on complex issues.

Good technical writing, public presentation, computer and communications skills.

Valid Class D 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

Must have advanced knowledge of federal regulations and state water pollution statutes and rules including the development and implementation of such.
Knowledge of MPCA programs and work including the Municipal and Industrial wastewater, watershed, environmental analysis and outcomes, municipal stormwater, or construction stormwater.
Experience in Watershed project management, impaired waters, TMDL development, or related work within Minnesota’s Watershed Framework, which includes WRAPS and 1W1P development with local partners.
Experience coordinating with various partners and developing water quality trading projects and/or implementing a water quality trading program.
Possess effective human relations skills sufficient to work with a variety of cross state agency partners, staff and members of the public and have experience leading meetings.
Experience in developing tracking system or using databases as tracking systems.
Data analysis and data management experience sufficient to identify and report information that is critical to program issues and decision-making.

Ability to:

• Develop and execute a project plan, strategies, and milestones for complex and often unique situations.
• Plan, coordinate, influence, negotiate with other agency staff, other government agencies or departments and state contractors.
• Resolve potentially contentious, controversial, and complex environmental issues.

Physical Requirements

Ability to use a computer and perform keyboard functions for multiple hours per day.
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 duty.

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.

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.