Climate Smart Food Systems Grant Program Lead Job ID 84672

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 exists to provide policy expertise and inter- and intra-agency coordination on prevention of waste food and organic management grants and loans for the Minnesota Climate Smart Food System Initiative (CSFS). The Minnesota CSFS Initiative is a suite of programs focused on a holistic approach to reduce climate pollution and build equity in Minnesota’s food systems. The CSFS Initiative is funded by a 5-year grant through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. This position provides policy leadership related to the development, implementation, and overall coordination of the prevention of wasted food and organics management work.  This position works closely with the Climate Smart Food Systems Initiative Coordinator, program staff, and grants specialists to implement the assigned area of the program. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Two years advanced professional experience planning, implementing, and evaluating work and/or initiatives in the areas of food and organic waste prevention, reuse, recycling or diversion including related work in grant administration. (A bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, environmental sciences, geography, sustainability, public health, public policy, or related field can substitute for 1 year of experience) 

AND 

Ability or experience in leading project teams, tracking progress and managing toward the achievement of a common goal in a specified timeframe. 

Experience in project management and developing and implementing plans, projects, and deliverables effectively. 

Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate in written and oral communication with various audiences. 

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

Professional experience planning and implementing grant programs and leading public input processes

Knowledge of climate change pollution reduction policies and strategies, with a particular focus on food waste/organics management. 

Experience working with grants, either grant-making, managing grant-funded work, or both.

Knowledge of organics prevention, rescue/reuse, composting, anaerobic digestion or similar management methods.

Ability to work with groups of people with different perspectives and interests on shared projects and programs.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. 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 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.