Environmental Specialist - Water Resources

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $70,518 - 88,148
FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - 110,185
LOCATION: Apple Valley, Western Service Center
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025

What You'll Do
The Environmental Specialist functions in a professional capacity to develop and implement strategies to protect human and ecological health with respect to environmental conditions. This specific position in the Water Resources Unit is also responsible for ensuring compliance with County ordinances and State rules by reviewing permit applications, administering contracts and licenses, conducting inspections and/or assessments, implementing enforcement actions as necessary. The person in this position will manage complex work projects, and will apply technical expertise to complex program and operational issues. This position will be responsible for working with the Water Resources Supervisor and other senior staff to plan, implement, and evaluate environmental initiatives.

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 in 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.

* Bachelor's Degree in the physical or biological sciences (e.g. chemistry, physics, engineering, biology), environmental health, resource or waste management, environmental studies, sustainability, or a closely related field
OR
* Associate's Degree in a related field AND Two (2) years of experience in planning, coordinating, and implementing environmental programs.
OR
* An equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience totaling at least four (4) years.
AND
* Valid driver's license.

Preferred Experience:
* Direct work experience in planning, coordinating, and implementing environmental programs.
* MPCA Subsurface Sewage Treatment System Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Inspector Certification, or ability to obtain within 12-months of employment.

NOTE: Hiring manager requests applicants attach a separate cover letter and resume.

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.

1. Serve as lead staff for the Dakota County Septic System program.
2. Interpret, enforce and explain the Dakota County septic system ordinance and related state and federal regulations.
3. Complete site inspections to determine septic system compliance. Coordinate follow-up correspondence, reporting, and enforcement action when needed.
4. Administer the Dakota County Septic System Tax Assessment and Low-Income Grant Programs.
5. Manage septic system program databases and project files. Develop requests for proposals, manage contracts, and oversee consultants and contractors.
6. Assist with administration of the Dakota County Shoreland and Floodplain Ordinance, including site inspections, permitting, and technical assistance. Provide support to ensure compliance with County and state buffer requirements.
7. Assist with administration of the Dakota County Stormwater Program, including erosion and sediment control inspections, stormwater asset inspections, and regulatory follow-up for compliance with state standards.
8. Assist with administration of the Dakota County Aquatic Invasive Species Program, including implementing strategies to identify waterbodies at risk and manage existing populations, developing education and outreach materials, and completing other activities identified within the Dakota County AIS Plan.
9. Assist with the administration of the Dakota County Environmental Assessment Program, including the assessment, investigation, and remediation of contaminated sites and brownfields.
10. Coordinate, develop, and maintain partnerships with other County departments, state and federal agencies, cities, townships, watersheds, and the public.
11. Analyze data, prepare technical documents and develop GIS maps for use by technical staff, management, elected officials, partner agencies, and the public.
12. Develop education and outreach materials for internal and external partners. Provide formal presentations to senior management and County Commissioners.
13. Research and implement studies, grants, and best management practices for new water resource initiatives. Monitor legislation and policy issues at the federal, state and local level.
14. Perform other Environmental Resources Department and Water Resources Unit duties as assigned.

Essential Job Duties: All duties listed above are essential functions of this position.

* 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, GIS software, and computer databases.
* Ability to employ strong organizational and time management skills.

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, GPS, magnetometer, analytical sampling instruments, digital and video cameras, calculator, fax, copier, scanner, LCD projector, and vehicles.

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 and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution

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 interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks