Environmental Protection Specialist, Senior

Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus.

About the Role

This position is a full-time, benefit-earning role internally classified as an Environmentalist, Senior. The role involves conducting licensing, inspections, outreach, enforcement, and related work in the commercial hazardous waste program, responsible for administering and enforcing Hennepin County Ordinance 7.

Location and Schedule

This hybrid position will be performed both on-site at the 625 Building (625 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415) and remotely as job duties require. Routine travel to field sites throughout Hennepin County is expected. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) is in-person in downtown Minneapolis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct commercial hazardous waste inspections of regulated businesses and complaint investigations to determine compliance with applicable state, federal, and county regulations (Ordinance 7).
• Review documentation to evaluate business processes, waste produced, waste management methods, and identify regulatory violations.
• Detail findings in written reports and letters, and articulate corrective actions needed to meet or exceed standards.
• Review and process licensing and re-licensing applications.
• Lead research and development of new and revised policies, procedures, proposed legislation, regulatory language, and strategic plans.
• Prepare communications for internal and external audiences, including complex and controversial issues.
• Develop and maintain fact sheets, forms, web-based training programs, and self-audit licensing forms.
• Implement compliance programs targeting specific industry groups.
• Maintain operational records in the hazardous waste licensing and inspections database; compile, sort, and filter electronic data using tools such as Excel, Access, and SQL.
• Prepare civil and criminal enforcement cases.

Requirements

• One of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, and two or more years of experience in hazardous waste management or industrial chemical testing and analysis.
  • Associate’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field, and four or more years of experience in hazardous waste management or industrial chemical testing and analysis.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County driver’s permit within six months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience:
  • Conducting inspections or audits of industrial facilities.
  • Preparing civil and criminal enforcement cases.
  • Reviewing and processing environmental licenses or permits.
  • Using Microsoft Excel, Access, and SQL.
  • Interacting with regulated communities of diverse backgrounds and varying levels of understanding of environmental regulations.
• Knowledge of:
  • Commercial hazardous waste management regulations and related environmental regulations, issues, and business operations.
  • Provisions of federal and state regulations governing hazardous waste management, including RCRA, EPA regulations, and state-specific requirements.
  • County ordinances and applicable local laws.
• Ability to:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff, regulated communities, and the general public.
  • Communicate environmental policies and regulations to non-technical audiences both verbally and in written form.

About the Department

The Environment and Energy department protects and preserves the environment to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. We engage communities to develop and enact sustainable solutions, focusing on reducing and responsibly managing waste, protecting and preserving ecosystems, delivering clean energy, and promoting environmental stewardship.

About Hennepin County

Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for residents and communities. All jobs align with our mission to serve residents through transformative services that eliminate disparities, inequities, and create opportunity for all. Our vision is a community where all people are healthy, valued, and thrive.

Employees receive a combination of generous benefits and a positive workplace culture, including meaningful work, competitive pay, work-life balance, and opportunities for growth.