Job ID 86896 - Wastewater Compliance and Enforcement

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 is located within the Water and Mining Section at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA).

This position exists to perform compliance and enforcement duties for implementing the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the State Disposal System (SDS) program in the Point Source Wastewater and Industrial Stormwater Programs. The position involves the evaluation of the compliance status of assigned facilities with their NPDES/SDS permit and with applicable state statutes and rules including unpermitted activities, to determine and initiate appropriate enforcement action if applicable, to negotiate settlements as part of a team, to investigate and follow-up on water quality complaints, to act as a case manager for assigned enforcement cases, to review permits for enforceable conditions, and to participate special projects as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an environmental protection or related science area and two (2) years of professional-level environmental protection experience associated with determining compliance with environmental regulations and preparing, issuing, and oversight of enforcement actions and/or experience issuing permits OR

Three years of professional-level environmental experience as described above AND Ability to manage multiple projects.

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules and permits.

Understanding regulatory applicability and effectiveness related to wastewater.

Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word and exposure to Excel and PowerPoint.

Good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members.

Valid Class D Driver's License.

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

Experience in performing compliance inspections and elevated enforcement actions, including penalty actions.

Knowledge of state and federal regulatory framework and their applicability to NPDES and SDS permittees.

Previous compliance and enforcement or related experience in a regulatory compliance position.

Experience performing industrial wastewater compliance and enforcement work.

Understand complex industry processes and rules/regulations.

Work effectively with people representing a broad spectrum of positions in business, government, and environmental groups.

Physical Requirements

Some infrequent lifting of sampling equipment and working out in the field in adverse weather conditions. Ability to conduct inspections at facilities which may involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory driver's license record check. Requires a Class D driver's license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

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.