Program Analyst - Minnesota

Circular Action Alliance

8h•Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the Minnesota State Program Manager, the Minnesota Program Analyst will be responsible for conducting analysis of Minnesota’s Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act program obligations and waste management systems to support the development of Minnesota’s stewardship plan, which is due to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) October 1, 2028. This role is part of the Policy and Regulatory Compliance pillar within CAA's National Program Planning and Operations team. The Minnesota Program Analyst will contribute policy, analytical, and operational expertise to track and assess baseline conditions in Minnesota, and to inform opportunities to improve waste management system access, capacities, and investment over time. The role will support CAA’s contributions to the needs assessment being conducted by MPCA including reviewing and vet baseline data and perform ongoing data and policy analysis to further enhance CAA’s understanding of Minnesota’s packaging and waste management systems for program planning. Over time, this position will support the annual reporting requirements and inform ongoing improvements to Minnesota’s EPR program operations. This role requires a blend of technical data analysis, regulatory insight, and stakeholder collaboration to ensure Minnesota’s EPR program is data-driven, equitable, and effective.

Requirements

Experience with solid waste management data in Minnesota, including waste characterization, existing reporting mechanisms and requirements, recycling, composting, reuse/refill operations, and facilities.
Knowledge of packaging material flows, recycling markets, and commodity pricing dynamics.
Familiarity with environmental justice mapping tools (e.g., EPA EJScreen) and their application in waste infrastructure planning.
Understanding of circular economy principles, packaging design for recyclability, and end-of-life material management.
Familiarity with national waste and recycling data systems (e.g., EPA reporting, MMBC/Recycle BC systems) and how they relate to state programs.
Experience with Minnesota state and local regulators.
Knowledge of Minnesota packaging and waste management statutes, regulations, and ordinances.
Ability to quickly learn about policy, the project or program being developed.
Familiarity with data validation, governance, and integration of best practices.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and identify actionable insights.
Ability to translate raw data into summaries, dashboards and reports for executives and regulators.
Ability to synthesize and visualize data through tools like Power BI .
Ability to leverage data science and analysis tools is preferred.
Ability to work internally and with a broad range of interested parties to establish structure and standards for data and information management.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to effectively collaborate with interest holders inside and outside the organization.
Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy, preciseness, and compliance.
Excellent time management and organizational skills, including working with remote employees across varied geographies and time zones.
Ability to work in a dynamic environment at a rapid pace with flexibility
Bachelor’s degree in related field, which may include Sustainability, Environmental Management, Data Analytics, Public Policy, Environmental Law, Environmental Science, Data Science, Urban Planning, or Engineering.
3+ years of experience with solid waste management data analysis including in Minnesota.
3+ years of experience with data analysis, data visualization, and system mapping.
Experience working with environmental agencies (e.g., EPA, MPCA) on reporting, permitting, or program development.
Background in waste characterization studies, recycling facility operations, or municipal solid waste planning.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Certifications in data analytics, project management (PMP), or environmental auditing are a plus.
Ability to leverage data science and analysis tools is preferred.

Responsibilities

Gather, validate, and analyze data about Minnesota’s waste management system including existing reporting on waste management by Minnesota jurisdictions.
Maintain a Minnesota system mapping of current EPR-relevant waste management infrastructure, policies, access to recycling, composting and reuse/refill programs, and planned changes to that system.
Review and contribute input to program plans, guidance, and annual reporting, and feedback on proposed regulations for Minnesota’s EPR program.
Prepare briefs, white papers, or presentations to inform internal and external stakeholders.
Contribute analysis for compliance risk assessment and performance target tracking for Minnesota’s EPR program.
Contribute Minnesota-specific analyses to the work of Data and Analytics and Material Services teams as the operational strategies for Minnesota’s program are developed.
Contribute to the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics for program success.
Monitor and report on progress toward Minnesota’s waste diversion and recycling targets.
Support the data and system optimization team as needed in developing protocols for future studies that may be required for Minnesota’s program implementation and assessment.
Develop and maintain data quality standards and documentation for Minnesota-specific datasets.
Support the design and implementation of data collection frameworks for ongoing program monitoring.
May be asked to represent CAA in external meetings as assigned and manage certain interest holder relations.
Performs other related duties as assigned.