Environmental Specialist

St. Louis County, Minnesota • Duluth or Virginia, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Responsible technical work in the application and enforcement of environmental programs and regulations. The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026. The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Technician is $30.18 - $42.65 per hour. The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour. The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Senior is $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. St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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 Agency to obtain a Service Provider Certificate within one (1) year of employment.
• 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 Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) industry; OR a Master's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND one (1) year full-time paid verifiable experience in SSTS industry; OR three (3) years as an Environmental Specialist AND the 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in the compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances.
• Assisting in the review/approval of permit applications for Basic SSTS designs.
• Participating in interim, final and complaint inspections.
• Assists preparing reports and enforcement actions.
• Participates in communications with and education of the public on department policies and programs.
• 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.
• Communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs.
• Reviewing permit applications and Basic or Advanced SSTS designs.
• Assisting in the administration of the SSTS program, policy or service changes.
• Working independently on project/program implementation.
• Work direction may be exercised over staff in lower classifications.

Benefits

• Longevity pay
• Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuous authorization to work in the United States for St. Louis County on a full-time basis
• Veterans Preference
• Equal opportunity employer
• Veteran-friendly employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level