Environmental Specialist (Environmental Initiatives)

General Description

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive

DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources

HOURS: Full-time

PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $67,643 - 84,554/year

SALARY RANGE: $67,643 - 105,693/year (108 grade)

LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley

UNION: None

CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024

What You'll Do

This Environmental Specialist position in the Environmental Initiatives Unit of the Environmental Resources Department will be responsible to assist and lead the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of environmental projects, programs, and initiatives for waste management. This position will be responsible for working on a variety of initiatives that support the Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan with a focus on implementing education programs and waste reduction and reuse initiatives such as Fix-it Clinics.

Who We Are

Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in the physical or biological sciences (e.g. chemistry, physics, engineering, biology), environmental health, public health, natural resource or waste management, sustainability, environmental planning, or a closely related field.
  
  

OR

• Associate's Degree AND two (2) years of experience in implementing, coordinating, and evaluating environmental programs.
  
  

OR

• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience implementing, coordinating, and evaluating environmental programs totaling 4 or more years.
  
  

AND

• Valid driver's license
  
  

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.

• Research and develop best practices and provide analysis and recommendations for new solid waste reduction, reuse, recycling, organics, and other landfill abatement projects/programs and initiatives to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Present project recommendations to project partners, industry, county peers, county leadership, and elected and appointed officials for integration into annual budgets and program development.
• Design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate waste reduction, reuse, recycling, programs, projects, and initiatives to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Coordinate, develop, and maintain partnerships with residents, communities, businesses, organizations, project/program partners and governmental agencies to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Develop, administer, manage, and evaluate requests for proposals, quotes, contracts, and purchase requests.
• Develop, implement, and manage annual work plans for programs and projects.
• Develop waste management education print materials, displays, tours, events, website information, and presentations and educate the public on proper waste management practices and collaborate with municipality and program partners for education messaging consistency with county standards.
• Develop and provide technical assistance and information to implement best practices for waste management to project/program partners, including schools, municipalities, organizations, residents, and businesses.
• Maintain and manage program databases, contracts, and files.
• Gather and analyze data to modify policy, develop implementation strategies, and to prepare reports, letters, graphs, and charts for the annual state grant and Solid Waste Plan performance measurement reporting.
• Represent the county at public meetings and conferences, and interpret and explain county ordinances, policy, best practices, and federal/state laws and rules related to waste management to stakeholders.
• Develop, review, track, and provide justified recommendations for state/regional policy, plans, laws, rules, and administrative orders affecting waste management.
• Participate in the development of the Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Participate in state and regional solid waste management committees.
  
  

All The Duties Listed Above Are Essential Functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Working knowledge of communications methods, including social media, print and online.
• Working knowledge of environmental protection programs and services, current trends and resources, and the demonstrated ability and skill to apply this knowledge.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations, as well as regulatory processes.
• Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government.
• Demonstrated project management skills, particularly as they may relate to environmental protection programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in addressing and coordinating the resolution of complex environmental issues, and the ability to work independent of direct supervision to resolve complex environmental issues.
• Ability to conduct research, plan projects, and use statistical analysis.
• Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting technical data.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, representatives of government and the private sector, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively participate in multi-disciplinary teams, to be a team leader when appropriate, and have a demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts.
• Ability to develop and execute work plans with measurable outcomes that meet environmental objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to prepare reports, letters, charts, maps, and other documents with strong attention to detail, using Microsoft Office Products.
• Ability to employ strong organizational and time management skills.
• Working knowledge of effective environmental education methods.
• Ability to effectively manage contractors.
• Ability to manage multiple active projects.
  
  

Work Environment

Work is performed in a county office building and at various sites located in the metropolitan area. Work is occasionally performed in the evenings and on weekends. Lifting up to 35 pounds on a daily basis and exerting in excess of 50 pounds on an infrequent basis. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions and various physical and chemical hazards in the course of conducting assigned duties. Types of equipment used may include telephone, cell phone, personal computer/laptop, digital and video cameras, copier, scanner, and vehicles.

Location & Schedule

This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time
  
  

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring