Emerging Issues Policy Coordinator Job ID 82920

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 provides coordination of potential, persistent, and emerging contaminants (PPEC) policy. The focus of the coordination is to ensure that the unit, section, and division are appropriately considering human health and environmental impacts, Agency program needs, and other relevant information in prioritizing the revision and development of water quality standards and the progress of work on potential, persistent and emerging contaminants. The incumbent also is regularly assigned high-priority planning and reporting projects.  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of advanced professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience which includes working knowledge of water resource concerns, hydrology, and understanding of water pollution control science and technology (e.g., advanced professional level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work.) Experience must include support for public policy, engagement with the legislature, or implementing environmental rules or statutes. 

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

Demonstrated problem-solving skills, both laterally and vertically, to determine appropriate actions. 

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 degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, environmental health, soils, geology, the aquatic sciences, or a related field is preferred. 

Working knowledge of a variety of chemicals, their uses in commerce, their environmental behavior and their health and ecological effects. 

Understanding of federal and state laws, including the Clean Water Act, the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Minnesota Toxic Free Kids Act, the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Act and Amendment, the state Administrative Procedures Act, the roles and responsibilities of Minnesota agencies, and the legislative process. 

Working knowledge of pollution prevention and green chemistry principles. 

Familiarity with continuous improvement tools and techniques such as process mapping.

Working knowledge of the procurement and contracting process for purposes of procuring facilities and services for stakeholder participation. 

Listening, speaking and writing skills in scientific/technical and policy fields to organize and effectively present information in a manner appropriate for the intended audience. 

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.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and step over obstacles in uneven terrain. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders and boxes, tools, or heavier materials with help from others and/or moving light objects frequently. A job in this category may require maintaining a stationary position to a significant degree or may involve a certain amount of moving necessary in carrying out job duties.

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.