Environmental Specialist (Household Hazardous Waste)

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
HOURS: Full-time (Wed – Sat 10-hour shifts)
HIRING RANGE: $73,515 – $91,894/year
SALARY RANGE: $73,515 – $114,868/year (108 grade level)
LOCATION: Lakeville, Recycling Zone Plus (future site)
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026

What You’ll Do
This Environmental Specialist position in the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Unit will be responsible to support the County’s Household Hazardous Waste program with a focus at the new Recycling Zone Plus facility located in Lakeville. This position will be responsible to provide technical expertise such as contracts, provide excellent customer service and support facility operations that align with Dakota County Solid Waste Management Plan.

This Household Hazardous Waste Environmental Specialist position is an onsite job located at Dakota County’s new Recycling Zone Plus (RZP) site in Lakeville. This position is expected to work four 10-hour shifts Wednesday to Saturday.
Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. 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.

* Bachelor’s Degree in the environmental science, environmental health, resource or waste management, physical or biological sciences (e.g. chemistry, physics, engineering, biology), sustainability, 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.

Preferred experience and education beyond minimum qualifications
* Direct work experience at household hazardous waste events or facility operations.
* Direct work experience with waste, recycling or reuse program initiatives.
* Understanding of Federal and State regulations and rules.
* Degree directly related to environmental science, environmental health, resource/waste management, or sustainability.

* Pursuant to Dakota County Policy and Procedures Manual, this position is designated as Safety Sensitive

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 the Recycling Zone Plus Site Supervisor with onsite hazardous waste, recycling, and reuse tasks and services.
2. Assist to develop and maintain various Recycling Zone Plus operations and safety plans and permits.
3. Prepare and oversee various RFP, RFQ and RFB for hazardous disposal and recycling services.
4. Research, develop, and assist with new, innovative or improved HHW program services.
5. Maintain and manage program databases, contracts, and files.
6. Assist with HHW program Joint Powers Agreements, Grants and Agreements to manage timeliness, accurate reporting and expense/revenues.
7. Support and provide backup to the VSQG Business Program team lead to review applications, evaluate hazardous wastes, coordinate with businesses and process transactions.
8. Maintain and review participant data in database and assist with State and programmatic HHW, solid waste and recycling data reporting.
9. Coordinate with partners on special events, promotional activities or collaborative projects such a Reuse Zone event, school vape disposal or volunteer programs.
10. Assist communications partners with development and review of HHW program outreach and educational materials.
11. Assist with development of the annual HHW program budget and fees.
12. Coordinate, develop, and maintain partnerships with citizens, communities, businesses, organizations, facility partner and governmental agencies to implement and maintain HHW program services.
13. Respond to technical HHW program inquiries from public, communicate program policies and procedures and provide excellent customer service.

• 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 may be performed at a County operated household hazardous waste facility. Travel may be required for the position. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and requires the ability to perform physical tasks daily. The posture and movement requirements for this position are sitting, standing, walking, bending/stooping, push/pull balance, twisting and reaching. Position requires repetitive bending of the arm and use of feet, and frequent grasping of hands. Work tasks require frequent lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Team lifting is encouraged for any lifting over 50 pounds.

Exposures may include, but are not limited to changing weather conditions, moving vehicles and equipment, uneven and/or slippery surfaces, dust, dirt, oil, grease, solvents, vapors, hazardous wastes, infectious wastes, solid wastes, noise, sharp edges, and all hazards associated with a household hazardous waste and recycling facility. Position requires sensory demands of hearing, speech, near & far vision, tactile, and spatial perception. Driving is required for the position and staff must have the ability to use a variety of equipment. Equipment used may include, but is not limited to computer, calculator, telephone, scale, carts/dollies, totes, gaylord boxes, hand and power tools, brooms, shovels, pallet jack, hydraulic lift tables, forklift, wheel loader, floor scrubber, tanks, compactors, personal protective and safety equipment and any list of light and heavy equipment.

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