Environmental Specialist

Responsible technical work in the application and enforcement of environmental programs and regulations.
 

The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026.

The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Technician is $30.18 - $42.65 per hour. 
The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Senior is $33.54 - $47.71 per hour.

Distinguishing Features of Work:

Environmental Specialist Technician:
An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include assisting in the review/approval of permit applications for Basic SSTS designs; participating in interim, final and complaint inspections; assists preparing reports and enforcement actions; participates in communications with and education of the public on department policies and programs. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Environmental Specialist:
An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications for Basic SSTS designs; conducting interim, final and complaint inspections; and preparing reports and enforcement actions; assisting in the administration of the SSTS program; communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Environmental Specialist Senior:
An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications and Basic or Advanced SSTS designs; conducting interim, final and complaint inspections; and preparing reports and enforcement actions; assisting in the administration of the SSTS program, policy or service changes; communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs; and working independently on project/program implementation. Work direction may be exercised over staff in lower classifications. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist Technician (Pass/Fail):

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field; OR five (5) years of paid verifiable experience designing and/or inspecting subsurface sewage treatment systems; OR equivalent education and/or experience as determined by the director of human resources. 
• A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate within one (1) year of employment.  Failure to obtain this certification within one (1) year will result in termination from the position.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist (Pass/Fail):

• One (1) year as an Environmental Specialist Technician AND the recommendation of the director of the department; OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field. 
• Must have completed training, passed exams, and submitted required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to obtain Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate.
• Complete training, pass exams and submit required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to obtain a Service Provider Certificate within one (1) year of employment.  
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist Senior (Pass/Fail):

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND three (3) years full-time paid verifiable experience in Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) industry; OR a Master's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND one (1) year full-time paid verifiable experience in SSTS industry; OR three (3) years as an Environmental Specialist AND the recommendation of the director of the department.
• Possession of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued SSTS Service Provider Certificate, Advanced Designer Certificate and Advanced Inspector Certificate.
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

Note: At the discretion of the hiring authority, the successful candidate may be considered for appointment at the Environmental Specialist Technician, Environmental Specialist or Environmental Specialist Senior level, contingent on minimum qualifications and department need. This would be determined at the time a job offer is extended.

Apply by: 06/30/2026