Environmental Specialist

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

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

An employee in this class assists in the compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include assisting in review/approval of permit applications for Basic SSTS designs, participation 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.

An employee in this class ensures compliance of 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 program administration, and communicating with and educating the public. Work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

An employee in this class ensures compliance of 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 program, policy or service changes, communicating with and educating the public, and working independently on project/program implementation. Work direction may be exercised over lower‑classification staff and is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

• 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.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate within one (1) year of employment. Failure to obtain this certification within one year will result in termination.

• 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.
• Completed training, passed exams and submitted required documentation to obtain the SSTS Basic Inspector Certificate.
• Completed training, passed exams and submitted required documentation to obtain an SSTS Service Provider Certificate within one (1) year of employment.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND three (3) years full‑time paid verifiable experience in SSTS; OR a Master’s degree in the same fields AND one (1) year full‑time paid verifiable experience in SSTS; OR three (3) years as an Environmental Specialist and recommendation of the director of the department.
• Possession of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued SSTS Service Provider Certificate, Advanced Designer Certificate, and Advanced Inspector Certificate.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

• Constant:
  Lift and carry up to 10 pounds and color vision.
• Frequent:
  Near, midrange and far vision; depth perception; field of vision; visual accommodation; hearing within 5 to 20 feet; use fingers; grasp; handle; move about; reach; rotate neck; sit; talk/speak; walk; right and left wrist turn; traffic; work alone, with and around others; customer/public…