Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist Positions

Responsible technical work in the application and enforcement of environmental programs and regulations. The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026. The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Technician is $30.18 - $42.65 per hour. The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour. The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Senior is $33.54 - $47.71 per hour. This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement represented by Council 5 of AFSCME. St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.

Distinguishing Features of Work

Environmental Specialist Technician: An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include assisting in the review/approval of permit applications for Basic SSTS designs; participating in interim, final and complaint inspections; assists preparing reports and enforcement actions; participates in communications with and education of the public on department policies and programs. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Environmental Specialist: An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications for Basic SSTS designs; conducting interim, final and complaint inspections; and preparing reports and enforcement actions; assisting in the administration of the SSTS program; communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Environmental Specialist Senior: An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications and Basic or Advanced SSTS designs; conducting interim, final and complaint inspections; and preparing reports and enforcement actions; assisting in the administration of the SSTS program, policy or service changes; communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs; and working independently on project/program implementation. Work direction may be exercised over staff in lower classifications. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.

Work Environment

These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 10 pounds and color vision. FREQUENT: Near, midrange and far vision; depth perception; field of vision; visual accommodation; hear within 5 feet and up to 20 feet; feel; use fingers; grasp; handle; move about; reach; rotate neck; sit; talk/speak; walk; right and left wrist turn; traffic; work alone, with and around others; customer/public contact; work inside and outside, and drive. OCCASIONAL: Balance; atmospheric conditions; slippery surfaces and work extended days.

Selection Process

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist Technician (Pass/Fail): Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field; OR five (5) years of paid verifiable experience designing and/or inspecting subsurface sewage treatment systems; OR equivalent education and/or experience as determined by the director of human resources. A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate within one (1) year of employment. Failure to obtain this certification within one (1) year will result in termination from the position. Possession of a valid driver's license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist (Pass/Fail): One (1) year as an Environmental Specialist Technician AND the recommendation of the director of the department; OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field. Must have completed training, passed exams, and submitted required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to obtain Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate. Complete training, pass exams and submit required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to obtain a Service Provider Certificate within one (1) year of employment. Possession of a valid driver's license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist Senior (Pass/Fail): Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND three (3) years full-time paid verifiable experience in Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) industry; OR a Master's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND one (1) year full-time paid verifiable experience in SSTS industry; OR three (3) years as an Environmental Specialist AND the recommendation of the director of the department. Possession of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued SSTS Service Provider Certificate, Advanced Designer Certificate and Advanced Inspector Certificate. Possession of a valid driver's license.