Job Description

Posting number: 26EED380LV16

Department: Environment and Energy

Division: Lic & Insp -General Activities

Job classification: Environmentalist, Senior

Posting type: Open

Categories: Environmental Services, Public Works, Waste Management, Land Use, Natural Resources, Green-Collar/Environmental

The Hennepin County Environment and Energy department is seeking anEnvironmental Protection Specialist, Senior 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.

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Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the 625 Building located at 625 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. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.

About this position type
This is a full-time, benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as an Environmentalist, Senior.
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, waste 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.
• Lead the research and development of new and revised policies, procedures, proposed legislation, regulatory language, and strategic plans.
• Prepare communications for internal and external audiences including communications on complex and controversial issues.
• Develop and maintain fact sheets, forms, and web-based training program and self-audit licensing forms.
• Develop and implement compliance programs focusing on businesses in specific industry groups.
• Maintain 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.
• Prepare civil and criminal enforcement cases.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry or chemical engineering or a closely related field and two years or more of experience in hazardous waste management or industrial chemical testing and analysis.

  • Associates degree in chemistry or chemical engineering or a closely related field and four years or more of experience in hazardous waste management or industrial chemical testing and analysis.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County drivers permit within six months of employment.

Nice to have:

• Experience:
  • Conducting inspections or audits of industrial facilities.
  • Preparing civil and criminal enforcement cases.
  • Reviewing and processing environmental licenses or permits.
  • Using Microsoft Excel, Access, and SQL.
  • Interacting with regulated communities of diverse backgrounds and varying levels of understanding of environmental regulations.
• 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.

About the department:
The Environment and Energy department protects and preserves the environment to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. We engage communities to develop and enact sustainable solutions. We focus on reducing and responsibly managing waste, protecting and preserving ecosystems, delivering clean energy and promoting environmental stewardship.

About Hennepin County:

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Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a criminal background check.

Lidy Vu
Lidy.Vu@hennepin.us