Environmental Specialist; Environmental Initiatives

POSTING TYPE:
Open Competitive

DEPARTMENT:
Environmental Resources

HOURS:

Full-time

HIRING RANGE: $73,515 - 91,894/year

SALARY RANGE: $73,/year (108 grade)

LOCATION:

Western Service Center, Apple Valley

UNION:
None

CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026

This Environmental Specialist position in the Environmental Initiatives Unit of the Environmental Resources Department will be responsible to assist and lead the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of landfill abatement initiatives, projects and programs. This position will be responsible for working on a variety of initiatives that support the Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan, with a focus on implementing waste reduction, recycling and organics diversion programs, such as administering the business and multiunit property recycling programs.

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 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, public health, natural resource or waste management, sustainability, environmental planning, or a closely related field.
• OR Associate s Degree AND two (2) years of experience in implementing, coordinating, and evaluating environmental programs.
• OR An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience totaling 4 or more years.
• AND Valid driver s license.

Note:

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.

• Design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate landfill abatement initiatives to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan with a focus on waste reduction, recycling and organics diversion programs, such as administering the business and multiunit property recycling programs.
• Research and develop best practices and provide analysis and recommendations for landfill abatement projects/programs and initiatives to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Develop, administer, and manage requests for proposals, quotes, grant forms, contracts, and purchase requests to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan. This may include managing program and project contractors.
• Coordinate, develop, and maintain partnerships with project/program partners including residents, businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies, including municipalities such as with city recycling coordinators, and governmental agencies to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan.
• Develop, implement, and manage annual work plans for programs and projects. This may include collaborating with the unit’s communication coordination staff to develop and implement an outreach plan for programs and projects.
• Develop education materials, displays, tours, events, website information, and presentations to promote proper waste management practices for assigned programs and projects. This includes coordination with internal and external partners, including municipalities, for education messaging consistency with county standards.
• Present recommendations to partners, industry, county peers, county leadership, elected and appointed officials for integration into project/program development.
• Develop and provide technical assistance and information to implement waste management best practices for project/program partners, including municipalities, organizations, residents, and businesses.
• Manage program databases, contracts, and files.
• Gather and analyze data to modify policy,…