Environmental Specialist (Waste Regulation)

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,515 – $91,894/year
FULL SALARY RANGE: $73,515- $114,868/year (108 Grade Level)
LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026
What You’ll Do
This Environmental Specialist position in the Waste Regulation Unit will support the County’s recycling, sustainability, and environmental initiatives by ensuring compliance with County Ordinances and State rules, conducting hazardous waste and solid waste compliance inspections, reviewing facility and industrial waste disposal applications, issuing licenses and approvals, and implementing enforcement actions as necessary. The person in this position will be responsible for working with the Supervisor and senior staff to plan, implement, and evaluate environmental programs, and will be responsible for assisting in reporting and data analysis.
Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.
NOTE: The hiring supervisor has requested applicants include a cover letter with their Application.

* 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 to equal or exceed four (4) years. Experience must be directly related to implementing, coordinating, and evaluating environmental programs.
AND
* Valid driver’s license.
Preferred experience beyond minimum qualifications
* Solid and hazardous waste regulatory programs experience
* Conduct inspections and assessments of solid and hazardous waste facilities and generators

Essential Functions: All the duties listed below are are essential functions. 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 for all positions.
1. Assist in implementing, planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating solid and hazardous waste regulation programs and services.
2. Review and evaluate environmental sampling and site assessments for proper characterization of contaminated soils and other waste for industrial waste disposal.
3. Conduct inspections and assessments of solid and hazardous waste facilities and generators for the purpose of determining compliance with County Ordinances and State rules relating to waste management.
4. Implement enforcement actions when noncompliance with County Ordinances and/or State rules is identified.
5. Develop and execute work plans with measurable outcomes that meet the waste-related objectives in the Dakota County Solid Waste Master Management Plan.
6. Interpret and explain County Ordinances, policies, and procedures; and Federal/State regulations and rules.
7. Assist with the development of contract and grant language and implements contract and grant requirements and conditions relating to waste management programs and projects.
8. Conduct complaint investigations and recommends appropriate follow up regulatory and enforcement actions.
9. Maintain and manage solid and hazardous waste regulatory program databases, contracts, and files, and keeps the supervisor and Department Director apprised of significant information and developments
10. Serve as a liaison for the solid and hazardous waste regulatory programs, representing the Department with officials from other counties, townships/cities, regional and state agencies, the regulated community, and other appropriate individuals and groups.
11. Represent the solid and hazardous waste regulatory programs to the public, and interprets their policies and procedures for the public.
Essential Functions: 1-11

* 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 and the private sector, 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, cell phone, personal computer, GPS, magnetometer, analytical sampling instruments, digital and video cameras, calculator, fax, copier, scanner, LCD projector, 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 4:30 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 and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Hybrid work environment

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 interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks