Environmental Specialist

Responsible technical work in the application and enforcement of environmental programs and regulations. Salary range for 2026: Technician: $30.18–$42.65 per hour; Specialist: $31.21–$44.23 per hour; Senior: $33.54–$47.71 per hour. Environmental Specialist Technician An employee in this class assists in the compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include assisting in review/approval of permit applications for Basic SSTS designs, participation in interim, final and complaint inspections, assisting in preparing reports and enforcement actions, and communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs. Work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff. Environmental Specialist An employee in this class ensures compliance of SSTS program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications for Basic SSTS designs, conducting interim, final and complaint inspections, preparing reports and enforcement actions, assisting in program administration, and communicating with and educating the public. Work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff. Environmental Specialist Senior An employee in this class ensures compliance of SSTS program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications and Basic or Advanced SSTS designs, conducting interim, final and complaint inspections, preparing reports and enforcement actions, assisting in program, policy or service changes, communicating with and educating the public, and working independently on project/program implementation. Work direction may be exercised over lower‑classification staff and is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff. 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. Possession of a valid driver’s license. 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 year will result in termination. 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. Completed training, passed exams and submitted required documentation to obtain the SSTS Basic Inspector Certificate. Completed training, passed exams and submitted required documentation to obtain an SSTS Service Provider Certificate within one (1) year of employment. Possession of a valid driver’s license. 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 SSTS; OR a Master’s degree in the same fields AND one (1) year full‑time paid verifiable experience in SSTS; OR three (3) years as an Environmental Specialist and 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. Work Environment Factors Constant: Lift and carry up to 10 pounds and color vision. Frequent: Near, midrange and far vision; depth perception; field of vision; visual accommodation; hearing within 5 to 20 feet; 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; extended days. Physical‑Medical Standards Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation and meet the physical requirements for the position. Background, Drug Testing and Employment Verification Applicants must pass a drug test and undergo a background investigation. All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day. Probationary Period Appointees must successfully complete a twelve‑month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment. Equal Opportunity Statement St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran‑friendly employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr