Environmental Specialist (Environmental Initiatives)

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
HOURS: Full-time
HIRING RANGE: $73,515 - 91,894/year
SALARY RANGE: $73,515 - 114,868/year (108 grade)
LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 5, 2026

What You'll Do
This Environmental Specialist position in the Environmental Initiatives Unit of the Environmental Resources Department will be responsible to assist and lead the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of landfill abatement initiatives, projects and programs. This position will be responsible for working on a variety of initiatives that support the Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan, with a focus on implementing waste reduction, recycling and organics diversion programs, such as administering the business and multiunit property recycling programs.

* Bachelor's Degree in the physical or biological sciences (e.g. chemistry, physics, engineering, biology), environmental health, public health, natural resource or waste management, sustainability, environmental planning, or a closely related field.
OR
* Associate's Degree AND two (2) years of experience in implementing, coordinating, and evaluating environmental programs.
OR
* An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience implementing, coordinating, and evaluating environmental programs totaling 4 or more years.
AND
* Valid driver's license.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required.

1. Design, coordinate, implement, and evaluate landfill abatement initiatives to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan with a focus on implementing waste reduction, recycling and organics diversion programs, such as administer the business and multiunit property recycling programs.
2. Research and develop best practices and provide analysis and recommendations for landfill abatement projects/programs and initiatives to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan.
3. Develop, administer, and manage requests for proposals, quotes, grant forms, contracts, and purchase requests to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan. This may include managing program and project contractors.
4. Coordinate, develop, and maintain partnerships with project/program partners including residents, businesses, organizations, and governmental agencies, including municipalities such as with city recycling coordinators, and governmental agencies to implement the Solid Waste Management Plan.
5. Develop, implement, and manage annual work plans for programs and projects. This may include collaborating with the unit's communication coordination staff to develop and implement an outreach plan for programs and projects.
6. Develop education materials, displays, tours, events, website information, and presentations to promote proper waste management practices for assigned programs and projects. This includes coordination with internal and external partners, including municipalities, for education messaging consistency with county standards.
7. Present recommendations to partners, industry, county peers, county leadership, elected and appointed officials for integration into project/program development.
8. Develop and provide technical assistance and information to implement waste management best practices for project/program partners, including to municipalities, organizations, residents, and businesses.
9. Manage program databases, contracts, and files.
10. Gather and analyze data to modify policy, develop implementation strategies, and to prepare supporting documents for Solid Waste Management Plan performance measurement reporting.
11. Represent the county at public meetings and conferences and interpret and explain county solid waste policies, county best practices, and state and local laws related to waste management to stakeholders.
12. Participate in the development of the Solid Waste Management Plan.

All the duties listed above are essential functions.

• Working knowledge of environmental protection programs and services, current trends and resources, and the demonstrated ability and skill to apply this knowledge.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, and regulations, as well as regulatory processes.
• Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government.
• Demonstrated project management skills, particularly as they may relate to environmental protection programs and initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in addressing and coordinating the resolution of complex environmental issues, and the ability to work independent of direct supervision to resolve complex environmental issues.
• Ability to conduct research, plan projects, and use statistical analysis.
• Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting technical data.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, representatives of government, private sector, contractors, and the general public.
• Ability to effectively participate in multi-disciplinary teams, to be a team leader when appropriate, and have a demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts.
• Ability to develop and execute work plans with measurable outcomes that meet environmental objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively, in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to prepare reports, letters, charts, maps, and other documents with strong attention to detail, using Microsoft Office Products, GIS software, and computer databases.
• Ability to employ strong organizational and time management skills.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a County office building and at various sites located in the metropolitan area. Work is occasionally performed in the evenings and on weekends. Lifting up to 35 pounds on a daily basis and exerting in excess of 50 pounds on an infrequent basis. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions and various physical and chemical hazards in the course of conducting assigned duties. Types of equipment used may include telephone, headphones, laptop, printer, calculator, copier/fax, scanner, small carts to transfer materials, and vehicles.

Location & Schedule
This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring