Product Stewardship Policy Specialist - Agency Policy Specialist Job ID 75393

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Job Summary

This position leads the development of environmental public policy and statewide programs related to extended producer responsibility and product stewardship such that producer responsibility is extended to cover the design, use, and end-of-life of their products.

The position will:

• Develop strong partnerships and work closely with local units of government, communities, special interest groups, and industry to facilitate common agreement on policy priorities and public policy language.
• Track extended producer responsibility and product stewardship regulation and related emerging policy developments at the federal, state, and international level, often working directly with the Division Director, Legal Services, and Commissioner’s Office on legislation.
• Communicate the Agency’s positions with outside partners and stakeholders.
• Serve as product stewardship team lead to ensure effective communication and coordination across all agency programs that work on or connect with product stewardship to develop policy and programs that are environmentally protective and enforceable.
• Work with staff implementing existing and future product stewardship programs to interpret law and make key decisions.
• Negotiate and manage contracts with producer responsibility organizations and other contractors as needed, including leading potential research projects.
• Lead communication and education on product stewardship policy, breaking down complex laws into plain language, writing educational materials and reports and presenting information at appropriate venues, including answering questions and conducting interviews from media representatives.

Qualifications

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 product stewardship, extended producer responsibility, environmental science, sustainable materials management and/or solid and hazardous waste.

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

Demonstrated problem-solving skills.

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 product stewardship initiatives and related laws.

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.

Familiarity with emerging product stewardship public policy developments at the federal, state, and international level.

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.

Strong experience and skills in effectively measuring program success and other essential project management skills.

Experience reviewing and writing bill language and interpreting existing environmental laws.

Physical Requirements

This position involves use of a computer and may involve sitting or standing for long periods of time.

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.

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.