Remediation Project Coordinator- Environmental Specialist 3

Working Title: Remediation Project Coordinator - Environmental Specialist 3 Job Class: Environmental Specialist 3 Agency: Pollution Control Agency Job ID: 79457 Location: Various Telework Eligible: Yes Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 08/19/2024 Closing Date: 09/09/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE Division/Unit: REM Superfund Unit 3 Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes - up to 5% of the time Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly; $64,310 - $94,941 / annually Classified Status: Classified FLSA Status: Nonexempt Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ( : Yes *This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato. 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. This position exists to perform project management of sites in the Superfund family of programs. These duties include directing the management of environmental investigations in the Site Assessment and Superfund Programs. This position will directly determine if cleanup actions are needed or if sites may be closed according to best management practices. The incumbent ·will also develop site conceptual models for the area of identified contamination sufficient to support development of maps that show the area of contamination. This work progresses through stages of evaluation, which in some cases, may culminate in listing a site on the state or federal Superfund list. The work begins by querying, researching, and analyzing various sources of publicly available data to inform a decision about potential public health or environmental risks. The position reviews or prepares reports and makes database entries to document findings. If new data needs to be collected, the position will oversee the work of voluntary or responsible parties or will solicit scopes of work and cost estimates from state contractors and prepare work order documents. The position uses new and existing information to formulate conclusions. The investigative process ends when a determination that no contamination above standards is present, or no action is needed to address the environmental contamination or action is needed and the site has been moved to another regulatory program for follow up. The Superfund process is used to evaluate potential releases of hazardous substances that may pose a threat to human health or the environment and also to respond to contamination that has been identified. The process is guided by criteria established under the state and federal superfund law. MPCA project managers are responsible for 'cradle to grave' management and decision making at projects under guidance and direction of program and Agency leadership. The MPCA Superfund Program is charged with responding to several emerging environmental issues and as such is a fast paced and high workload environment. This position will be responsible for conducting responsible party (RP) searches and RP determinations, with the potential of enforcement actions and negotiations with the identified RPs in order to ensure compliance with site investigation and cleanup requirements. Enforcement actions may include issuance of Agency enforcement documents such as Requests for Information, Requests for Response Actions, Commissioner Notice Letters, Determinations of Inadequate Response; and ultimately preparation of a recommendation to list sites on the State's Permanent List of Priorities (State Superfund List). Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Soil Science, or other closely-related environmental field, and two years of professional-level project management experience of environmental investigations and remediation/cleanup of contaminated properties. OR Three years of professional-level project management experience of environmental investigations and remediation/cleanup of contaminated properties. AND the ability to: Develop and implement work plans and contracts. Independently complete assignments in a timely manner. Understand environmental regulatory process and procedures. Effectively coordinate and serve as a team member and understand the environmental, social and economic impacts of environmental investigations and remediation decisions. Engage and communicate with diverse stakeholders and team members. Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements). 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 Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Soil Science, or other closely-related environmental field, and five or more years of professional-level project management experience conducting environmental investigations and remediation/cleanup of contaminated properties. Knowledge of federal, state and local environmental laws, rules, regulations and standards related to environmental investigations and remediation/cleanup of contaminated properties; including CERCLA, MERLA, and RCRA. Experience conducting soil, groundwater, surface water, soil gas, and indoor air investigations. Understanding of the principles of environmental investigations and remediation/cleanup of contaminated properties, including remediation and mitigation methods/technologies. Good written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, and advanced planning/organization skills to perform senior-level professional work. Knowledge of and experience conducting investigations and remediation of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane. Advanced project management of environmental investigations including: review of written submittals; evaluation of analytical data; contracting; budgeting; invoicing; and communications with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to effectively manage projects from beginning to end, and with high attention to detail and satisfactory conclusions. Demonstrated ability to manage, communicate, and resolve potentially contentious, controversial, and complex environmental issues. Experience conducting public communications on health- and/or environmental-related projects. Advanced technical writing skills. Proficiency with GIS. Ability to: Make sound human health and environmental risk decisions based on results and data. Determine if cleanup actions and building mitigation are needed based on applicable State and Federal Guidance. Manage contractors and project budgets. 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. The incumbent will be required to visit field sites that may have rough terrain. Additional Requirements 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 DLR 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. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at or email . Please indicate what assistance is needed.