Environmental Compliance Specialist; SSTS

Responsible technical work in the application and enforcement of environmental programs and regulations.

Salary range (2026):
Environmental Specialist Technician $30.18 – $42.65 per hour;
Environmental Specialist $31.21 – $44.23 per hour;
Environmental Specialist Senior $33.54 – $47.71 per hour.

This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.

Assists in the compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing/approving permit applications for Basic SSTS designs, participating in interim, final and complaint inspections, assisting in preparing reports and enforcement actions, and communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs. Work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Ensures compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications for Basic SSTS designs, conducting interim, final and complaint inspections, preparing reports and enforcement actions, assisting in the administration of the SSTS program, and communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs. Work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Ensures compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications and Basic or Advanced SSTS designs, conducting interim, final and complaint inspections, preparing reports and enforcement actions, assisting in the administration of the SSTS program, policy or service changes, communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs, and working independently on project/program implementation.

Work direction may be exercised over staff in lower classifications. Work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Constant: Lift and carry up to 10 pounds; color vision.

Frequent: Near, mid-range and far vision; depth perception; field of vision; visual accommodation; hearing within 5 and 20 feet; use fingers and grasp; move about; reach; rotate neck; sit; talk/speak; walk; right and left wrist turn; traffic; work alone, with and around others; customer/public contact; work inside and outside, and drive.

Occasional: Balance; atmospheric conditions; slippery surfaces; extended work days.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field; OR five (5) years of paid verifiable experience designing and/or inspecting subsurface sewage treatment systems; OR equivalent education and/or experience as determined by the director of human resources.
• A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate within one (1) year of employment; failure to obtain within one year will result in termination from the position.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

• One (1) year as an Environmental Specialist Technician AND the recommendation of the director of the department; OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field.
• Must have completed training, passed exams, and submitted required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to obtain Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate.
• Complete training, pass exams and submit required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control…