Community Affairs Specialist

Working Title: Community Affairs Supervisor
Job Class: Pollution Control Specialist Principal
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 10/25/2023
Closing Date: 11/14/2023
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MMA
Division/Unit: Industrial Division / Community Affairs
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday – Friday
Travel Required: Yes – Up to 30% of the time
Salary Range: $35.34 – $52.79 / hourly; $73,789 – $110,225 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 – Middle Management Association/MMA
FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive
Telework Eligible: Yes
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary
This position is located at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA or Agency) and will supervise and manage the Agency’s new community affairs team focused on building and strengthening relationships with Agency stakeholders. This position will lead a team of staff dedicated to project management which spans across Agency programs and incorporates effective and meaningful public engagement. The community affairs team and this position will play a key role in the Agency’s management of external relationships with stakeholders such as citizen groups, businesses, local units of government and the general public and is expected to navigate complex and contentious projects that often require environmental review, multiple state permits and coordination with other state and federal agencies. The individual must have the ability to anticipate potential complications, utilize a variety of tools for effective project management and engagement, as well as work closely with all levels of staff and Agency leadership. The position is part of a collaborative team that makes decisions, prioritizes engagement assignments, activities and will create and maintain positive relationships with persons representing a broad spectrum of organizations.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
1) One year of supervisory experience in community relations, public affairs, and engagement roles, environmental protection, or in planning, implementing, and evaluating work in the areas of civic engagement, community outreach/organizing or a similar field.

OR

2) Two years of advanced professional experience in project management and public speaking while conducting community relations, engagement or regulatory work. Examples for internal  candidates – ( Environmental Specialist 4, Planner Principal, Hydrologist 2, Engineer 2 Graduate, Research Scientist 2, or related classes).

OR

3) Three years of environmental experience performing work equivalent to an Environmental Specialist 3 level or senior level work directing, designing AND developing criteria for permits, enforcement, negotiation, or environmental programs.

OR

4) Equivalent combination of the above.

Valid Class D Driver’s License.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 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.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience developing and/or implementing community outreach and engagement plans, processes and/or material.

Excellent communication skills skills to include advanced professional writing, public speaking, facilitation and moderating skills.

Multilingual (non-English languages commonly spoken in Minnesota).

Experience managing community relationships during high-profile projects, including diverse communities.

Strong overall project management, including developing and maintaining public timelines.

Experience working in or with regulatory entities.

Ability to present complex information in an understandable way to community members.

Accomplished leadership and management skills to effectively coach, train and lead staff in outreach and engagement.

Additional Requirements
A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory DLR check. Requires a Class D driver´s License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver’s license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us

About Pollution Control Agency
Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.

Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

Public pension plan
Training and professional development
Paid vacation and sick leave
11 paid holidays each year
Paid parental leave
Low-cost medical and dental coverage
Prescription drug coverage
Vision coverage
Wellness programs and resources
Employer paid life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability
Health care spending and savings accounts
Dependent care spending account
Tax-deferred compensation
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.