Environmental Consultant

Job Class: Environmental Consultant
Agency: Health Department

• Who May Apply : Open to all bidders of MDH and all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be accepted through 04/01/2024.
• Date Posted : 03/25/2024
• Closing Date : 04/08/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Health Department / Health-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Health Protection / EH DWP Cross Div Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $33.90 - $50.27 / hourly; $70,783 - $104,963 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary
The Environmental Health Division within MDH is looking to add a Water Policy Environmental Consultant to their growing team. This position exists within the Water Policy Center to provide advanced technical knowledge, effective collaboration, and environmental consultation and leadership for water policy and public health. The Water Policy Environmental Consultant will ensure that all Minnesotans have safe and sufficient drinking water and water resources are protected from environmental hazards. Water issues are integral to thriving communities, which results in this work being highly visible, sensitive in nature, and may have major implications for the health and wellbeing of all Minnesotans.
Primary Job Duties:

• Implementing water policies that will involve developing science-based program goals/strategies.
• Using human relations skills while facilitating consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Ensuring work is meeting strategic objectives.
• Representing MDH during meetings with other agencies and groups.
• Managing the Public Health response to nitrate contamination in southeast Minnesota.
• Direct the development and possible implementation of a statewide plan for protecting drinking water in private wells and overseeing the analysis and distribution of data related to wells in Minnesota.
• Work with Environmental Health Division programs addressing water issues (Drinking Water Protection, Well Management, Environmental Surveillance and Assessment, and Food, Pools, and Lodging) and the MN Clean Water Council to ensure consistency across programs.

This position is telework eligible for applicants who reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota or South Dakota. Position locations will be determined by the top candidates and will be based out of the Freeman Building or a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) district office location.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant's resume/application to be considered for this position.
Three (3) years of demonstrated experience leading environmental projects and/or programs that include the following:

• Leading and implementing environmental programs and/or projects.
• Using public health and environmental science principles to communicate with customers, local government partners, coworkers and the public.
• Working knowledge of state, national, and global hydrogeological problems and solutions.
• Working with diverse clientele, such as stakeholders, coworkers, governmental and non-governmental agencies on complex and potentially controversial issues.
• Data management.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed at the time of interview:

• Ability to lead environmental projects, including researching latest techniques, best practices, identifying skills and resources needed.
• Ability to communicate principles of sound environmental science and public health principles.
• Ability to influence, negotiate, motivate and achieve consensus among diverse range of audiences, individuals and groups to achieve program objectives.
• Technical writing, public presentation, computer, and communications skills.
• Ability to effectively manage time and meeting deadlines.

A bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, environmental sciences or related field may substitute for (1) year of experience; a Master's degree in environmental health, public health, environmental sciences or related field may substitute for (18) months of experience; and a Doctorate degree in environmental health, public health, environmental sciences or related field may substitute for (2) years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, or related field.
• Knowledge of risk communication principles and implementation as applied to environmental hazards.
• Advanced experience and skill in project management in multiple settings or purposes, including planning and organizing work plans.
• Knowledge of developing and managing budgets and fiscal management policies and procedures.
• Ability to review, write, understand, and interpret public policy.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulatory frameworks and their applicability to water policies, procedures, public health and the environment.
• Advanced experience educating residents, vulnerable communities, and business about threats posed to drinking water and how to avoid them.
• Working knowledge of performance measurement tools, business operations and record management systems.

Additional Requirements
This position requires the successful completion of a criminal background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a current driver's license, however, there is travel that requires the incumbent to facilitate their own transportation.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
If you have questions about the position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266 .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us .
About Health Department
Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.