Community Affairs Associate-Planner Senior State

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* Working Title:

Community Affairs Associate*
* ** Job Class:
Planner Senior State*
* ** Agency:
Pollution Control Agency*
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** Job ** : 96778

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** Location** :
St. Paul

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** Telework Eligible** :
Yes

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** Full/Part Time** :
Full-Time

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** Regular/Temporary** :
Limited

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** Who May Apply** :
Open to all qualified job seekers

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** Date Posted** : 09/04/2026

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** Closing Date** : 09/14/2026

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

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** Division/Unit** :
Operations Division / Community Affairs Unit

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** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Day Shift

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** Days of Work** :
Monday - Friday

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** Travel Required** :
Yes - Up to 20% of the time

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** Salary Range:**  $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually

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** Classified Status** :
Unclassified

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** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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** End Date** :
Approx.
18 months

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** FLSA Status** :
Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
No

** 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 is temporary unclassified. Anticipated duration: up to 18 months

As part of the Community Affairs team at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Community Affairs Associate will support public engagement initiatives by implementing proactive engagement strategies and serving as a project manager for engagement plans. The incumbent will help build meaningful connections between the agency, local communities, and concerned citizen groups. This will be done by coordinating engagement activities, facilitating public meetings, and ensuring stakeholders stay informed about MPCA initiatives that impact Minnesotans.

Additionally, the role involves close collaboration with internal teams, local governments, and community members. The goal is to promote transparency, inclusivity, and public participation in the regulatory processes.

** Minimum Qualifications*
* + Three (3) years professional experience in project management, community relations, or engagement work. Includes experience working with community-based organizations and stakeholders for the purpose of outreach and community engagement. (A bachelor's degree will substitute for one year of experience in the above areas) AND

+ Ability to serve as a project manager for engagement initiatives across the State of Minnesota, working in close collaboration with multiple people across the agency to keep timelines and deliverables on track.

+ Understanding of how public agencies interact with communities, including local government roles in decision-making.

+ Awareness of diverse community perspectives and ability to adapt approach based on audience needs, from urban settings and suburbs to smaller communities and agriculture stakeholders.

+ Ability to make inroads with community groups to foster inclusive and responsive engagement.

+ Strong writing and verbal skills in order to communicate with a variety of audiences.

+ Valid Class D Driver's License.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT 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 required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

** Preferred Qualifications*
* + Advanced understanding of environmental issues and policy, as well as knowledge of existing programs operated by the MPCA, local governments and other state agencies.

+ Experience managing multiple projects, coordinating with internal teams, managing timelines, and completing deliverables.

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