Environmental Services Specialist

Job Details

Salary : $50,860.00 - $76,290.00 Annually

Location : Brainerd, MN

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 2024-00047

Department: Land Services

Division: Environmental

Opening Date: 06/24/2024

Closing Date: 7/8/2024 5:00 PM Central

Position Objective

This position is open to BOTH In Training or Non In Training applicants for consideration.

The Environmental Services Specialist in Training is an entry-level professional/technical position with accountability for the administration of a broad range of land use programs and regulations. The training assignment provides the opportunity to acquire professional certification and build expertise in a developmental role that is subject to regular review and oversight. Eligibility for progression to the Environmental Specialist position occurs when there is demonstrated mastery of the key accountabilities, sustained satisfactory performance of one or more years and attainment of minimum qualifications as outlined in the job description.

The position is highly engaged with property owners, special interest groups, townships and other stakeholders on matters related to land use planning and regulation. The following program areas are representative of accountabilities that may be assigned to an Environmental Specialist in Training.

Program accountabilities associated with environmental protection include administration of the county land use ordinance by reviewing land use permits, conducting property inspections, and providing information and assistance to citizens, property owners, septic installers, contractors, and other stakeholders regarding land use regulations, sewage treatment systems, and other environmentally related programs. In addition, the position is responsible for providing technical expertise for water protection including administration of the Wetland Conservation Act, the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan, and the annual Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan.

The incumbent will serve as professional staff support to the Environmental Services Manager, Land Services Director, County Administrator, and County Board. The position works collaboratively with other various county staff, external committees, organizations, and community members to facilitate efficient implementation of land use, natural resource, and public land management policies and to educate citizens and stakeholders on procedures and policies to achieve the vision and goals of the County's Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Forest Resources Plan, Water Plan, and Comprehensive Recreation Trails Plan.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Land Use Permitting: Participates with others in conducting inspections of properties within the county for all regulated land use activities including site visits in support of the County Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment. In conjunction with site visits and consultation with applicants as appropriate, participates in the approval or denying of land use applications submitted to the county pursuant to the county's prescribed regulatory authority. Assists in resolving land use complaints through direct communication with complainant, inspection of the property, and communication with the involved property owner.
• Water & Wetland Protection: Participates with others in making technical findings and recommendations on questions of wetland functions and the resulting public values, location, size, and type for replacement plans, exemptions, no-loss, wetland boundary or type determinations, and sequencing requests. Review replacement plans, exemptions, no-loss, wetland banking, wetland boundary / type proposals, and recommend either approval, approval with conditions, or denial. Provide technical guidance regarding the Wetland Conservation Act to the general public. Assess water resources and identify needs and strategies for addressing those needs through the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan. Develop and implement the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Plan annually. Provide technical assistance to citizens, developers, and contractors in erosion/sediment control techniques and storm water best management practices.
• Technology: Utilize a wide variety technology associated with land management, including but not limited to GIS, GPS, aerial photography, and other applications as needed to manage forest resources and land related assets. Works to develop proficiency in technological skills with personal computer, handheld data collectors, and software applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, ArcView, ArcGIS, and others essential to the performance of work assignments. Applies new technologies utilizing GIS and field applications to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Customer Service: Participates with others in responding to customer inquiries providing information and assistance relating to department programs and services in a professional and timely manner to ensure a high service environment.
• Collaboration and Coordination with Related Agencies: Participates with others in the collaboration and coordination of activities as necessary to effectively fulfill assigned duties including other county departments and related outside agencies such as the Soil and Water Conservation District, Department of Natural Resources, municipalities and townships within the county, other counties and state and federal agencies as needed.
• Policy Initiatives: Recommends policy initiatives to improve customer service, promote wise land use practices, and enhance protection of natural resources, consistent with the County's comprehensive plan, land use ordinance, forest resources plan, water plan, and applicable state rules, plans, and statutes.
• Special Projects and Other: Performs all other related assignments as required, including special projects as assigned by supervisor, in a professional and effective manner. Assists with the training, supervision, and assignment of work to seasonal, part time, and temporary employees. Attends workshops and training sessions as approved by supervisor. Assists with enforcement activities as needed. Required to secure, after hire, a Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator License and maintain license during the course of employment. Develop, submit, and administer grants and complete other tasks as directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications - In Training:

• Associates Degree in an environmentally related discipline such as natural resource management, forestry, or land use planning and seven months experience or any combination of education and experience that is substantially equivalent. OR
• Knowledge of department policies, practices, and procedures regarding land use permitting
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ISTS Inspector professional registration, or must become registered within one year of hire.
• Certified Wetland Delineator Certification in training through the Wetland Delineator Certification Program from the University of Minnesota within one year of hire
• Valid state issued driver license.

Minimum Qualifications - Non In Training:

• Associates Degree in an environmentally related discipline such as natural resource management, forestry, or land use planning and seven months experience or any combination of education and experience that is substantially equivalent.
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ISTS Inspector professional registration, or must become registered within one year of hire.
• Certified Wetland Delineator Certification in training through the Wetland Delineator Certification Program from the University of Minnesota within one year of hire
• Valid state issued driver license.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience working within a customer-focused, field-based land-use permitting and enforcement environment utilizing site visits for permit approvals and complaint resolution.
• Knowledge of and experience implementing Wetland Conservation Act regulations, storm water management, and soil and water conservation practices.
• General knowledge of state and local statutes, rules, and ordinances regarding individual sewage treatment systems, land use planning, solid waste, wetlands, and other environmentally-related fields.
• Ability to perform technical inspections, provide oversight, and make recommendations for various permit applications.
• Effective communication skills, including personal, interpersonal, project management, and decision making skills.
• Maintain effective relationships with citizens, colleagues, county officials, state agency representatives, ISTS professionals, contractors, and other environmentally-related groups and constituencies.
• Knowledge of department policies, practices, and procedures.

This summary is intended for general information purposes and does not represent the legal description of our benefit package. The summary plan descriptions, Crow Wing County personnel manual, or applicable labor contract contains more complete information and will prevail in the event of a discrepancy.

Compensation
The county strives to be a market competitive employer with compensation rates that are externally competitive and internally equitable. Compensation rates are governed by the county pay matrix and applicable labor contract. Information regarding the county pay programs is available in the Human Resource Department.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
PTO benefit accrues at the rate of 21 days per year for the first 3 years for regular full-time staff and is pro-rated for regular part-time staff.

Holidays
The 12 calendar holidays that are observed by Crow Wing County are as follows: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day and Friday following, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Health Insurance
Regular full-time employees and their dependents are eligible for group health insurance coverage, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Eligibility begins on the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

Regular part-time employees regularly scheduled 30 hours or more per week are eligible for health insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis.

Dental Insurance
Delta dental benefit is available to those participating in a health insurance plan. Calendar year annual maximum of $1000 per person.

Life Insurance
Regular full-time employees shall be provided a term life insurance policy of $50,000. Optional life insurance is available at the employee's expense.

Short-Term Disability
Regular full-time and part-time staff regularly scheduled at least 30 hours per week are eligible for short-term disability following 6 months of qualifying employment. Short-term disability payments begin on the first day following 14 consecutive calendar days of absence attributable to a qualifying disability. The plan provides income replacement of up to 50% of regular pay subject to a maximum limit of $1,000 per week.

Long-Term Disability
Regular full-time and part-time staff regularly scheduled at least 30 hours per week are eligible. Long term disability pays 50% of salary up to a maximum of $4,000 per month beginning on day 91 of total disability. The maximum benefits duration is up to the social security normal retirement date.

Retirement Plan
Retirement benefits are provided through the Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA). For more information on PERA visit their at

01

Which best describes your highest level of completed education in the field of water resource planning or management or a closely related natural resource field?

• Some college credit but no degree
• Certificate Program
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• None of the Above

02

How many years of experience do you have in an environmentally related field such as environmental planning?

03

Do you have a valid state issued driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04

Which best describes your experience working with land use permitting?

• None
• Some bust less than 7 months
• 7 months but less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 4 years
• 4 or more years

05

For the work experience you indicated in the question above, please describe your experience, referencing jobs listed in your application/resume. If you selected "no experience" please type "No Experience" in the space provided.

06

Briefly and concisely explain your working knowledge of soil science that you received through formal training and coursework. If you do not have any knowledge of soil science, type "none" in the space provided.

07

How many years of experience do you have working with the Wetland Conservation Act?

• None
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years but less than 4 years
• 4 years but less than 5 years
• 5 years or more

08

Please describe your work experience with the Wetland Conservation Act as indicated above, referencing jobs listed in your application/resume. If you selected "No Experience", please type "No Experience" in the space provided.

09

Are you a Minnesota certified wetland delineator?

• Yes
• No

10

Are you certified as a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Septic System designer or inspector?

• Yes
• No

11

Briefly and concisely explain your formal training and experience working with ArcGIS software. If none, state so below.

12

Describe your experience with land use regulations particularily related to lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands:

13

Describe your experience interacting with the public. Include types of interactions, referencing positions listed on your application/resume. If you do not have this experience, type "none" in the space provided.

14

I verify that all of my responses to the supplemental questions are true and accurate. I understand that if my supporting documentation and/or later steps in the selection process do not support one or more of my responses to the supplemental questions that I may no longer be considered for the position.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

 County of Crow Wing, MN

 07/01/2024

 Brainerd,MN