Environmental Specialist

Position Description

The Environmental Specialist is responsible for coordinating environmental planning efforts and projects on behalf of the City, including coordinating landfill operations compliance and assisting with commission review of wetland applications. A major responsibility for this position is administering Dakota County Solid Waste Abatement Program for the City, including its recycling efforts and programs; grant administration; public education and outreach activities to promote recycling and sustainability efforts (i.e. purchasing, fleet management, renewable energy, green building and energy efficiency).

Creates and disseminates environmental information to the public by coordinating and/or participating in City-sponsored or community events, and through various City communications channels (i.e. newsletter, Web site, social media, e-news, flyers) and external media platforms, as necessary.

Implements the City’s environmental policies and goals specific to the position, including, but not limited to the coordination of events and activities, such as the City’s Energy Action Plan and Annual Clean-Up Day, Minnesota Green Step Cities, Sustainable IGH Community Recognition Awards program, the City’s Environmental Collaborative, etc.

• Oversees all recycling efforts for the City organization including buildings, parks and events.
• Implements organics and reuse collection initiatives, and food scraps drop-off at City facilities.
• Prepares annual grant applications and funding requests for recycling and sustainability that support City programs, projects and activities.
• Promotes single-family and multi-family residential, schools and business recycling programs to encourage waste stream reduction, diversion and recycling.
• Works with City communications manager to organize public education and outreach programs to promote recycling and solid waste programs (e.g. America recycling Day, Earth Day, etc.).
• Serves as a liaison between the City and other governmental agencies, community groups, citizens and/or committee regarding solid waste planning, policies and issues.
• Reviews City ordinances for compliance with County and State solid waste laws and licenses applications of waste haulers.

Collaborates with department staff to coordinate the development and implementation of sustainability projects (e.g. purchasing, fleet management, renewable energy, green building, energy efficiency improvement), and review and drafting of ordinances in support of this effort.

Maintains energy usage database of City facilities to assess building performance and to identify cost savings opportunities.

Serves as staff liaison to Environmental Advisory Commission; prepares agenda items, meeting packets and minutes, and attends monthly meetings.

Coordinated with State and County agencies to ensure landfills are operating according to regulations and with the resolution of any contaminated sites; supports landfill contract negotiations.

Works with City environmental engineering staff to coordinate wetland applications for wetland replacement projects according with the Wetland Conservation Act project; prepares agenda items and staff reports for review and action by the Environmental Advisory Commission and City Council.

Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Biology, or closely related field of study.
• 2 years of experience performing the same or similar duties, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid Driver’s License.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience performing same or similar duties for a municipality.
• Master’s degree in Environmental Science or Environmental Studies.

Essential Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

Required

• Knowledge of relevant laws, rules, regulations, codes and ordinances that pertain to wetland conservation, landfill operations, waste management, recycling, and relevant sustainability planning projects.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of…