Certification Program Wetland Specialist - Environmental Specialist

Working Title: 401 Certification Program Wetland Specialist - Environmental Specialist 3

Job Class:
Environmental Specialist 3

Agency:
Pollution Control Agency

• Job : 92036

• Location :
  Various

• Telework Eligible :
  Yes

• Full/Part Time :
  Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary :
  Unlimited

• Who May Apply :
  Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 02/10/2026

• Closing Date : 02/23/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit :
  Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE

• Division/Unit :
  Agency Rules Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours :
  Day Shift

• Days of Work :
  Monday - Friday

• Travel Required :
  No

• Salary Range: $31.26 - $46.15 / hourly; $65,270 - $96,361 / annually

• Classified Status :
  Classified

• FLSA Status :
  Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
  700/) :
  Yes

* This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations:
Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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.

This position exists to review permit applications and issue certifications as appropriate within the Section 401 Water Quality Certification program. The Section 401 program works to protect Minnesota’s state waters through project review and certification alongside the federal permitting process. The program reviews a wide variety of projects across the state, including transportation and utility projects, new developments, and habitat restorations.

Staff in the 401 program work with a wide variety of other agencies and applicants.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Ecology, or in other closely-related environmental fields and two years of professional environmental experience with a demonstrated experience using water-related rules and regulations and a working knowledge of water pollution control mechanisms, best management practices, wetland hydrology and/or watershed management.

OR

Three years of professional environmental experience with a demonstrated experience using water-related rules and regulations and a working knowledge of water pollution control mechanisms, best management practices, wetland hydrology and/or watershed management.

AND the ability to:

Develop and implement work plans.

Independently complete assignments in a timely manner.

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and procedures.

Effectively coordinate and serve as a team member and understand the environmental, social and economic impacts of procurement.

Engage and communicate with diverse stakeholders and team members.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OTP extensions.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the require employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience coordinating work between multiple state and/or federal agencies or other governmental entities.

Working knowledge of CWA Section 404 permitting and Section 401 Water Quality Certification process.

Demonstrated ability to help develop and implement policy activities related to environmental protection.

Proven written and verbal communication and human relations skills to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Advanced technical skills in wetland mitigation, hydrology or other related fields.

Proficiency with GIS.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is…