Working Title: Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 82482

• Location : Various

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 12/11/2024

• Closing Date : 12/30/2024

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

• Division/Unit : RMAD ProdSustain&Partnersh Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : No

• Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

*This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato.

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 responsible for leading the implementation of the new Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. Responsibilities include:

• Developing goals, objectives, and components of the program as directed by the Commissioner’s office, legislature, or Governor’s office.

• Working with communities, special interest groups, and industry to coordinate program development and policy, accounting for environmental and socioeconomic drivers related to sustainable materials management (SMM), extended producer responsibility (EPR), and product stewardship.

• Ensuring effective communication and coordination across all agency programs that work with SMM, EPR, product stewardship, and solid waste planning, including developing and coordinating trainings, webinars, and other informational products.

• Establishing effective measures and monitoring progress on an ongoing basis.

• Leading a team of professionals, including any consultants or contractors, to manage the program, and directing all work involved in the implementation of the program.

This position will also serve as a back-up to the Assistant Commissioner, Division Director, Section Manager, and Supervisor for all duties related to the program’s development, including representation in public and with the Legislature, if necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of four years of advanced professional-level experience working in an environmental protection, climate, or sustainability field, including experience and thorough knowledge of sustainable materials management (including focuses like waste reduction, reuse, recycling and organics management) or a related field. (Advanced professional-level experience within MPCA is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist: Environmental Specialist 4, Hydro 3, SPA Principal /Planner Principal, RS 2 or higher-level work).

Demonstrated expertise in planning, project management, coordination, communication, decision-making, and writing skills.

Effective communications and human relations skills to work collaboratively with internal and external groups and all levels of leadership, problem-solving skills for resolving technical matters, and the ability to develop and maintain ongoing professional relationships.

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

Thorough knowledge of:

Extended producer responsibility and product stewardship policies and programs, within Minnesota and at a national and international level.

Sustainable materials management (SMM) - specifically pertaining to packaging and paper products -including strategies like waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and organics management.

Governmental contracting processes, contract negotiation, and contract management.

Legislative processes and administrative procedures sufficient to serve as a technical expert before policy committees and other public forums.

Demonstrated experience in:

High-level project management.

Conducting SMM or integrated solid waste management studies.

Interpreting and implementing policy and regulations.

Rule-writing and policy development.

Communicating complex information to government entities, industry and the public through direct outreach, campaigns, presentations, and written materials.

Coordinating stakeholders and/or advisory groups, soliciting feedback and guidance on critical program topics and decisions.

Data analysis and data management experience sufficient to identify and report information that is critical to program issues and decision-making.

Writing comprehensive program and/or policy reports.

Establishing appropriate types and levels of communication sufficient to keep interested parties aware of program developments.

Facilitating group meetings and trainings efficiently and effectively.

Leading and coordinating teams, including guiding and developing team members and monitoring team performance.

Ability to:

Resolve potentially contentious, controversial, and complex environmental issues.

Use a mindful, prudent approach in decision-making, taking into consideration input from others.

Communicate effectively to describe, promote and justify current and future program initiatives and outcomes.

Track detailed timelines and ensure required deadlines are met.

Research and identify opportunities for program improvements.

Prioritize equity and environmental justice considerations in program implementation.

Physical Requirements

This position involves use of a computer and may involve sitting for long periods of time.

Additional Requirements

Position duties may require travel, but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.