Job ID 88534 - Pretreatment Specialist

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

As an Environmental Specialist in the North Regional Unit, you will perform a variety of pretreatment program activities which have been delegated to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and implement the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Disposal System (SDS) permit program, rules, and statutes in the Wastewater Program. This position uses the authority established under the Federal Clean Water Act, the National General and Categorical Pretreatment Regulations (40 CFR Parts 401-471), Minnesota Statutes chapters 115 and 116, and Minnesota Rules 7049 in regulating industrial discharges to Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW), so that such discharges do not interfere with the operation of the treatment works or pass through the treatment works, inadequately treated. The position will conduct compliance and enforcement activities, provide technical assistance, permit writing and manage data. 

Minimum Qualifications

Environmental Specialist 1

Two years of environmental protection experience. OR

A Bachelor’s degree in environmental protection or related science field. (Students in their final semester of college should apply for the position and can start after their graduation date.)

Environmental Specialist 2

Three years of environmental protection experience OR

A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field AND one year of professional environmental protection experience.

All Candidates

Ability to manage multiple projects.

Ability to gain understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules.

Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word, 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

Knowledge of state and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations applicable to water quality.

Ability to take direction, follow standard operating procedures, manage and prioritize multiple assignments, and work effectively independently and on teams to complete assignments in a timely manner.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with representatives of other government agencies and the regulated parties. Effective public speaking and presentation skills. 

Good technical writing skills.

Demonstrated project management skills.

Participated in one of the state or agency’s student leadership pipeline programs such as Right Track, Step Up, Urban Scholar, Star of the North or Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers.

Physical Requirements
Some infrequent lifting of equipment and working out in the field in adverse weather conditions. Ability to conduct site visits at wastewater treatment facilities which may involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles and inspecting construction sites.

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.