Engineer 1 Graduate - Solid Waste Permit Engineer

Working Title:  Engineer 1 Graduate - Solid Waste Permit Engineer
Job Class: Engineer 1 Graduate
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 94587
• Location : Various
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 06/04/2026
• Closing Date : 06/17/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MGEC
• Division/Unit : RMAD SolidWa Permitting Unit 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 10% of the time
• Salary Range: $26.62 - $39.28 / hourly; $55,582 - $82,016 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

*This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary

This position exists to perform review of solid waste facility permit application and develop permit conditions for those facilities. A Graduate Engineer I performs various technical and policy related duties for the Solid Waste Program. Duties include project management, review of permit applications and technical specifications, preparation of permits, administrative functions surrounding permit issuance that ensures solid waste facilities are constructed and operated in compliance with Solid Waste Rules and protective of human health and the environment. The position also works with other staff on policy and planning issues surrounding solid waste. This position exists to provide technical support through outreach, permitting, and site visit activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental Engineering or similar engineering field with an environmental emphasis from an accredited engineering college.
• Good communication and writing skills, effective human relations skills to work with clientele and staff; problem solving skills for resolving technical matters; ability to bring projects to conclusion.
• Capable of gaining competency in environmental regulatory processes and procedures.
• Basic computer skills, proficient in WORD and familiar with EXCEL and PowerPoint.
• Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements).
• The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OTP extensions.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the require employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil and/or Environmental Engineering.
• Knowledge of engineering principals associated with solid waste facilities (landfills, compost sites, transfer facilities) including design, collection and treatment of leachate, stormwater management, and.
• Knowledge of state and federal statutes and rules related to landfill design and operation.
• Computer skills sufficient to use and learn databases and the HELP Computer Model.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with representatives of government agencies and the public.

Physical Requirements

The position will inspect landfill and other solid waste facility construction, to evaluate conformance with design and specifications and accepted engineering and construction practices. Ability to independently work in the field, conduct inspections/investigations in adverse weather conditions and in a variety of settings at solid waste facilities. Ability to carry more than 20 pounds (monitoring equipment, file boxes). Must have the ability to conduct inspections that may involve climbing and/or stepping over obstacles.

Additional Requirements:

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory DLR check.

Requires a Class D driver´s License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver’s license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification where applicable

Application Details

How to Apply

Select “Apply Now” button.. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at View phone number on minnesotajobs.com or email View email address on minnesotajobs.com . For additional information about the application process, go to .

About Pollution Control Agency  

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits  

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:  

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year  
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans  
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children  
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care  
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement  
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS  

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at View phone number on minnesotajobs.com or email View email address on minnesotajobs.com and let us know the support you need.