Environmental Protection Specialist

Environmental Protection Specialist

Salary

$60,080.36 - $90,120.54 Annually

Job Number

24EED119TF007

Closing Date

5/10/2024 11:59 PM Central

Description

The Hennepin County Environment and Energy department is seeking an Environmental Protection Specialist to conduct licensing, inspections, outreach, enforcement, and related work in the commercial hazardous waste program, which is responsible for administering and enforcing Hennepin County Ordinance 7.

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.
 
Location and hours: 
This position is hybrid and will be performed at the 701 Building in downtown Minneapolis at 701 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415, and remote as job duties require. This position will also routinely travel to field sites throughout Hennepin County. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.

New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment 

About this position type:
This is a full-time, benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as an Environmentalist.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
 
In this position, you will: 

• Conduct commercial hazardous waste inspections of regulated businesses and complaint investigations to determine compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations, as well as County Ordinance 7. Review documentation to evaluate business processes, wastes produced, waste management methods, and whether regulatory violations exist. 
• Detail findings in written reports and letters, and articulate corrective actions when appropriate that are needed to meet or exceed standards.
• Review and process licensing and re-licensing applications.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to the regulated community and public on environmental issues.
• Assist senior staff with the following:
  • Outreach: Develop and maintain fact sheets, forms, and web-based training program and self-audit licensing forms. 
  • Special Initiatives: Develop and implement of compliance programs focusing on businesses in specific industry groups.
  • Data Management: Maintaining operational records in the hazardous waste licensing and inspections database; compile, sort and filter electronic data using software tools such as Excel, Access, and SQL.
  • Enforcement: Prepare civil and criminal enforcement cases.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Four years or more of experience in work related to the assignment. 
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in physical or natural sciences, environmental health, industrial hygiene, public health, engineering, public or business administration, or a field closely related to the assignment and six months or more of experience in work related to the assignment.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County drivers permit.

Nice to have:

 

• Certification as a hazardous waste professional (e.g. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH).  
• Experience:
  • Conducting inspections or audits of industrial facilities.
  • Interacting with regulated communities of diverse backgrounds and varying levels of understanding of environmental regulations.
  • Preparing civil and criminal enforcement cases.
  • Reviewing and processing environmental licenses or permits.
  • Using Microsoft Excel, Access, and SQL.
• Knowledge of:
  • Commercial hazardous waste management regulations and related environmental regulations, issues, and business operations. 
  • Provisions of federal and state regulations governing hazardous waste management, including RCRA, EPA regulations, and state-specific requirements.
  • County ordinances and applicable local laws.
• Ability to:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff, regulated communities, and the general public.
  • Communicate environmental policies and regulations to non-technical audiences both verbally and in written form.

If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition Division
Hennepin County Human Resources Department
HR.ServiceCenter@hennepin.us
612-348-7855