Mineland Reclamation Specialist Senior

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. The DNR is currently seeking a Mineland Reclamation Specialist Senior in Hibbing, MN.

This position exists to inspect, monitor, evaluate, and provide direction to the state's mining industry in complying with the state's rules for mineland reclamation. Particular attention is directed at reviewing and administering Permits to Mine, ensuring that they are consistent with the statutes and rules relating to mineland reclamation.

• Review and evaluate applications for Permits to Mine, Permit to Mine Amendments, Assignments, and Annual Reports and Operating Plans so that it is determined that they are consistent with the rules relating to mineland reclamation.
• Conduct field inspections to determine if mining companies are in compliance with the conditions of their Permit to Mine.
• Maintain a geographic information system (GIS) for monitoring, documenting, and administering the Mineland Reclamation Program.
• Perform administrative and liaison duties as requested so that the Mineland Reclamation Program works efficiently with other divisional programs.
• Review and evaluate environmental review documents to ensure that components related to mineland reclamation and closure are adequately addressed.
• Participate in special projects, including Mineland Vision Partnership, reclamation practice improvements, and collaboration in the department of reclamation rules, revisions, and amendments so they accurately reflect state-of-the-art knowledge and principles of reclamation.

Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences, hydrology, geology, reclamation, soil sciences, environmental science or studies, environmental engineering, or related field.

• Communication skills sufficient to correspond accurately and professionally and maintain good relations within and outside the DNR, including with other regulatory agencies and the mining industry.
• Organizational skills sufficient in managing files and databases necessary to administer the Mineland Reclamation Program records.
• Database management and GIS skills sufficient to maintain and update geodatabase of reclamation and mining.
• Word processing and computer skills sufficient to prepare correspondence, draft and write permits, prepare DNR comments on permit applications, prepare post-inspection reports, and prepare decision documents.

• Experience in mineland reclamation, such as field monitoring and inspection, environmental review, and permitting.
• Master’s degree or PhD in a related field.
• Experience with Arc Map/GIS and databases sufficient to produce maps for field use, structure files, and maintain and update databases.
• Knowledge of Minnesota's mineland reclamation regulations and permitting, specifically Minnesota Rules Chapters 6130, 6131, or 6132.
• Familiarity with mining and knowledge of Minnesota's mining industry and history, particularly Minnesota’s taconite operations, operational best practices, and mine and process engineering principles.
• Experience with Minnesota’s environmental review process and the connection with permitting.
• MSHA 24‑hour New Miner Training.
• Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency. Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

• Paid vacation…