Remediation Project Coordinator- Environmental Specialist 3

$64,064 - $94,578/Yr

State of Minnesota - Hibbing, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Hibbing, MN

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Remediation Project Coordinator - Environmental Specialist 3 position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is a critical role focused on managing environmental projects within the Superfund family of programs. This position is responsible for overseeing environmental investigations and determining the necessary cleanup actions for contaminated sites. The incumbent will develop site conceptual models to support the mapping of contamination areas and will engage in a thorough evaluation process that may lead to the listing of sites on state or federal Superfund lists. The work involves extensive research and analysis of publicly available data to assess potential public health or environmental risks, as well as preparing reports and documenting findings in databases. If new data collection is required, the coordinator will oversee the work of responsible parties or state contractors, ensuring that all actions comply with environmental regulations and best management practices. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the Superfund process, which evaluates hazardous substance releases and responds to identified contamination. The MPCA project managers are tasked with cradle-to-grave management of projects, making informed decisions under the guidance of agency leadership. The position also involves conducting responsible party searches and determinations, which may lead to enforcement actions and negotiations to ensure compliance with investigation and cleanup requirements. This includes issuing agency enforcement documents and preparing recommendations for listing sites on the State's Permanent List of Priorities. The work environment is fast-paced and requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while engaging with diverse stakeholders. The position is based in various MPCA office locations, with the possibility of telework, and operates on a day shift schedule from Monday to Friday. The incumbent will be expected to travel up to 5% of the time for site visits and project management activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform project management of sites in the Superfund family of programs.
• Direct the management of environmental investigations in the Site Assessment and Superfund Programs.
• Determine if cleanup actions are needed or if sites may be closed according to best management practices.
• Develop site conceptual models for areas of identified contamination.
• Query, research, and analyze various sources of publicly available data to inform decisions about public health or environmental risks.
• Review or prepare reports and make database entries to document findings.
• Oversee the work of voluntary or responsible parties for new data collection.
• Solicit scopes of work and cost estimates from state contractors and prepare work order documents.
• Conduct responsible party searches and determinations, including potential enforcement actions and negotiations.
• Issue agency enforcement documents and prepare recommendations for listing sites on the State's Permanent List of Priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources, Soil Science, or other closely-related environmental field, and two years of professional-level project management experience of environmental investigations and remediation/cleanup of contaminated properties.
• Three years of professional-level project management experience of environmental investigations and remediation/cleanup of contaminated properties.
• Ability to develop and implement work plans and contracts.
• Independently complete assignments in a timely manner.
• Understand environmental regulatory processes and procedures.
• Effectively coordinate and serve as a team member, understanding the environmental, social, and economic impacts of investigations and remediation decisions.
• Engage and communicate with diverse stakeholders and team members.
• Possess a valid Driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and five or more years of professional-level project management experience in environmental investigations and remediation.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental laws, rules, regulations, and standards related to environmental investigations and remediation.
• Experience conducting soil, groundwater, surface water, soil gas, and indoor air investigations.
• Understanding of principles of environmental investigations and remediation methods/technologies.
• Good written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills.
• Advanced project management skills including review of written submittals and evaluation of analytical data.
• Experience conducting public communications on health- and/or environmental-related projects.
• Proficiency with GIS.

Benefits

• Telework eligibility
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Professional development opportunities
• Support resources for employees
• Equity and inclusion initiatives