What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Specialist (Land Use/Septic) position at Houston County, MN?
Salary : $56,347.20 - $74,152.00 Annually
Location : Historic County Courthouse, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00101
Department: Environmental Services Department
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: 5/22/2026 4:30 PM Central
Description
Full-time position - 40 hours per week
2026 wage range is $27.09 - $35.65 per hour, plus benefits.
(Hiring range: $27.09 - 30.02 per hour)
Please see the application instructions at the bottom of this announcement.
Application deadline: 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026
Reporting to the Environmental Services Director, the Environmental Specialist assists the Director in protecting public health and the environment through educational programming and the enforcement of County ordinances, State rules, and federal regulations.
The Environmental Specialist performs most of their work independently in accordance with state regulations and standard department procedures. The Environmental Specialist may frequently work outdoors for extended periods of time under adverse climatic conditions.
Essential Duties
1. Planning/Zoning
Provide backup/assistance to the County Feedlot Officer and administer feedlot ordinance and applicable Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7020.
This description provides the general list of responsibilities and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position and classification. It is intended only as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The position description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
Qualifications
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education
Data Notice
In compliance w/ the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical/Environmental Demands
Persons with Disabilities
The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.
FUNCTION
<25%
25% - 49%
50% - 74%
>74%
Office Environment
X
Sitting
X
Standing, Walking
X
Simultaneous/Repetitive Hand Movements
X
Typing/Data Entry
X
Close Vision (Near Acuity)
X
Distance Vision (Far Acuity)
X
Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
X
Accommodation (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)
X
Hearing/Speech
X
Sedentary (Exert up to 10 pounds of force)
X
Light (Exert up to 20 pounds of force)
Lifting, carrying or pushing of objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds
X
Lifting, carrying or pushing of objects up to fifty (50) pounds
X
Lifting or pushing of objects over fifty (50) pounds
X
Adverse movements such as overhead, bending, reaching
X
NOTICE
A County employee in this position may encounter not public data as defined by Minnesota or federal law in the course of their position. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that is necessary to fulfill the defined job duties. While data is being accessed, the employee shall take reasonable measures to ensure unauthorized individuals do not access the not-public data. Once the work purpose to access the data is reasonably finished, the employee must properly store and secure the not-public data in accordance with applicable County policies as well as Minnesota and federal law. All employees are expected to become familiar with and comply with the requirements of the County's Data Practices and Data Security Policies. A breach of these policies may lead to disciplinary action against the employee.
Status: Non-Exempt
Job Category: Technical
Labor Group: AFSCME
Band B24
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Submit your online application to Houston County by 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, by clicking the green "APPLY" button on this page. Please attach a cover letter and copies of any applicable certifications. If special accommodations are needed to complete the application for employment form, please contact the Houston County Personnel Office at 507.725.5822.
Houston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
2025 SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
(AFSCME Union Employees of Houston County)
The following is only a summary of benefits and information contained in Houston County's Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreements. Specific provisions relating to collective bargaining agreements or special rules established for particular departments are not covered here.
Vacation
Full-time employees earn paid vacation in accordance with the following schedule, which is based on years of continuous service:
Years Employed Hours Earned
0 - 1 3.08 hr./pay period, = 10 days per year
2 - 5 3.70 hr./pay period, = 12 "
6 - 10 4.31 hr./pay period, = 14 "
11 - 15 4.93 hr./pay period, = 16 "
16 - 20 5.54 hr./pay period, = 18 "
21 - 25 6.16 hr./pay period, = 20 "
26 6.76 hr./pay period, = 22 "
Part-time employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week earn pro rata vacation benefits.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn 3.70 hours of paid sick leave for each payroll period, which equals approximately 12 days per year.
Part-time employees who work 20 or more hours per week earn pro rata sick leave.
HOLIDAYS
Thirteen days during the work year are considered paid holidays for full-time employees. These holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Spring Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. In the event that a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is considered a paid holiday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, then the holiday will be observed on Monday.
Part-time employees, who work 20 or more hours a week, earn pro rata holiday pay.
Insurance
Houston County currently offers eligible employees a high deductible health plan with an employer funded HSA/VEBA option. 2025 employee premiums are $54.52 per month for single coverage and $426.12 per month for family coverage. Medica is our insurance provider.
The County also has a term life insurance program for employees, which provides a $10,000 death benefit at no cost for full-time workers. For a minimal amount, dependent coverage is also available; $5,000 on spouses; and $2,500 on minor children.
PLEASE NOTE: Part-time employees who work 20 or more hours a week may elect to enroll in the insurance benefits with the County, paying a pro-rated portion of the monthly premium cost for the elected coverage.
The effective date for insurance coverage will be the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. For example, if a new employee starts on the 10th of November, the effective date for insurance coverage will be January 1st.
PENSION
All employees earning over $5,100.00 annually, are automatically enrolled in PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association). This is a mandatory pension plan to which all employees contribute 6.50% of their gross earnings. The employer matches this contribution plus an additional 1.00% on behalf of the employee. You are vested after working 60 months and are eligible to receive a pension upon retirement. Your PERA retirement benefit is a product of your age, average salary and years of credited service. For more information, go to:
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
There are also several voluntary plans which employees may choose to take part in:
Dental Insurance
Additional/Spousal/Dependent Life Insurance
Deferred Compensation
Long-term Disability
Critical Illness
Accident Insurance
This is a generalization of the benefits available through Houston County.
01
What is your level of education relative to this position?
02
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
03
Do you have a basic working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Office) programs?
04
Do you currently possess SSTS (Subsurface Sewage Treatment System) certification?
Required Question
Location : Historic County Courthouse, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-00101
Department: Environmental Services Department
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
Closing Date: 5/22/2026 4:30 PM Central
Description
Full-time position - 40 hours per week
2026 wage range is $27.09 - $35.65 per hour, plus benefits.
(Hiring range: $27.09 - 30.02 per hour)
Please see the application instructions at the bottom of this announcement.
Application deadline: 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026
Reporting to the Environmental Services Director, the Environmental Specialist assists the Director in protecting public health and the environment through educational programming and the enforcement of County ordinances, State rules, and federal regulations.
The Environmental Specialist performs most of their work independently in accordance with state regulations and standard department procedures. The Environmental Specialist may frequently work outdoors for extended periods of time under adverse climatic conditions.
Essential Duties
1. Planning/Zoning
- Assist the Environmental Services Director in drafting reports for the County Board of Commissioners, the Planning Commission, and the Board of Adjustment
- Assist in reviewing land use permit applications for conformity with County ordinances and applicable laws and regulations
- Assist in reviewing and developing recommendations for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance or Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
- Assist with management and maintenance of the online permitting software
- Respond to inquiries from the public
- Assist with ensuring compliance with floodplain and shoreland management ordinances.
- Conduct compliance inspections of conditional/interim use permits and assist with enforcement.
- Assist with addressing citizen complaints
- Conduct on-site soil and construction inspections to determine compliance with state and local laws.
- Review and permit SSTS designs
- Attend required on-going training session to maintain State certification.
- Serve as liaison and technical advisor between septic installers and homeowners
- Assist with administration of the Wetland Conservation Act.
Provide backup/assistance to the County Feedlot Officer and administer feedlot ordinance and applicable Minnesota Rules, Chapter 7020.
- Maintain official State electronic database (TEMPO)
- Educate feedlot operators regarding "Best Management Practices" (BMP) and regulations
- Inspect manure storage construction and verify construction; complies with approved engineer design
- Draft State of Minnesota mandated reports
- Conduct feedlot compliance inspections
- Review manure management plans
- Receive and review applications for construction and expansion
This description provides the general list of responsibilities and is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position and classification. It is intended only as an illustration of the various types of work performed. The position description is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.
Qualifications
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education
- AA degree from an accredited college in environmental science or a closely related field
- One year of related experience
- Valid driver's license
- An equivalent combination of related education, training and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential job functions
- Valid driver's license
- SSTS certification within three years of employment
- Strong working knowledge of County ordinances; State Rules including MPCA Rules 7020 and 7080; Wetland Conservation Act; and other areas under the department's regulatory oversight and the related federal regulations
- Ability to identify and solve problems creatively both in an autonomous setting as well as a contributing member of a team, seeking guidance/direction as necessary and appropriate
- Appreciation for and ability to strive for continuous quality improvement; adapts to changes in work environment
- Ability to prioritize job responsibilities
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral)
- Ability to draft reports
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with people to convey or exchange professional information; ability to interact with people (i.e. supervisors, general public and elected officials) beyond giving and/or receiving instructions; ability to effectively communicate with the public in an approachable, professional manner
- Sound conflict resolution skills - able to deal effectively with challenging situations and difficult people
- Working knowledge in the use of Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to learn County GIS programs
- The ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
- Ability to accomplish assigned duties with minimum supervision
- Ability to interpret and understand statutes, rules, ordinances, and technical literature
Data Notice
In compliance w/ the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the Physical/Environmental Demands
Persons with Disabilities
The above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.
FUNCTION
<25%
25% - 49%
50% - 74%
>74%
Office Environment
X
Sitting
X
Standing, Walking
X
Simultaneous/Repetitive Hand Movements
X
Typing/Data Entry
X
Close Vision (Near Acuity)
X
Distance Vision (Far Acuity)
X
Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
X
Accommodation (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus)
X
Hearing/Speech
X
Sedentary (Exert up to 10 pounds of force)
X
Light (Exert up to 20 pounds of force)
Lifting, carrying or pushing of objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds
X
Lifting, carrying or pushing of objects up to fifty (50) pounds
X
Lifting or pushing of objects over fifty (50) pounds
X
Adverse movements such as overhead, bending, reaching
X
NOTICE
A County employee in this position may encounter not public data as defined by Minnesota or federal law in the course of their position. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that is necessary to fulfill the defined job duties. While data is being accessed, the employee shall take reasonable measures to ensure unauthorized individuals do not access the not-public data. Once the work purpose to access the data is reasonably finished, the employee must properly store and secure the not-public data in accordance with applicable County policies as well as Minnesota and federal law. All employees are expected to become familiar with and comply with the requirements of the County's Data Practices and Data Security Policies. A breach of these policies may lead to disciplinary action against the employee.
Status: Non-Exempt
Job Category: Technical
Labor Group: AFSCME
Band B24
TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION: Submit your online application to Houston County by 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, by clicking the green "APPLY" button on this page. Please attach a cover letter and copies of any applicable certifications. If special accommodations are needed to complete the application for employment form, please contact the Houston County Personnel Office at 507.725.5822.
Houston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
2025 SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
(AFSCME Union Employees of Houston County)
The following is only a summary of benefits and information contained in Houston County's Personnel Policy or Collective Bargaining Agreements. Specific provisions relating to collective bargaining agreements or special rules established for particular departments are not covered here.
Vacation
Full-time employees earn paid vacation in accordance with the following schedule, which is based on years of continuous service:
Years Employed Hours Earned
0 - 1 3.08 hr./pay period, = 10 days per year
2 - 5 3.70 hr./pay period, = 12 "
6 - 10 4.31 hr./pay period, = 14 "
11 - 15 4.93 hr./pay period, = 16 "
16 - 20 5.54 hr./pay period, = 18 "
21 - 25 6.16 hr./pay period, = 20 "
26 6.76 hr./pay period, = 22 "
Part-time employees scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week earn pro rata vacation benefits.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn 3.70 hours of paid sick leave for each payroll period, which equals approximately 12 days per year.
Part-time employees who work 20 or more hours per week earn pro rata sick leave.
HOLIDAYS
Thirteen days during the work year are considered paid holidays for full-time employees. These holidays include New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Spring Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. In the event that a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is considered a paid holiday. If a holiday falls on a Sunday, then the holiday will be observed on Monday.
Part-time employees, who work 20 or more hours a week, earn pro rata holiday pay.
Insurance
Houston County currently offers eligible employees a high deductible health plan with an employer funded HSA/VEBA option. 2025 employee premiums are $54.52 per month for single coverage and $426.12 per month for family coverage. Medica is our insurance provider.
The County also has a term life insurance program for employees, which provides a $10,000 death benefit at no cost for full-time workers. For a minimal amount, dependent coverage is also available; $5,000 on spouses; and $2,500 on minor children.
PLEASE NOTE: Part-time employees who work 20 or more hours a week may elect to enroll in the insurance benefits with the County, paying a pro-rated portion of the monthly premium cost for the elected coverage.
The effective date for insurance coverage will be the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. For example, if a new employee starts on the 10th of November, the effective date for insurance coverage will be January 1st.
PENSION
All employees earning over $5,100.00 annually, are automatically enrolled in PERA (Public Employees Retirement Association). This is a mandatory pension plan to which all employees contribute 6.50% of their gross earnings. The employer matches this contribution plus an additional 1.00% on behalf of the employee. You are vested after working 60 months and are eligible to receive a pension upon retirement. Your PERA retirement benefit is a product of your age, average salary and years of credited service. For more information, go to:
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
There are also several voluntary plans which employees may choose to take part in:
Dental Insurance
Additional/Spousal/Dependent Life Insurance
Deferred Compensation
Long-term Disability
Critical Illness
Accident Insurance
This is a generalization of the benefits available through Houston County.
01
What is your level of education relative to this position?
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate's Degree
- High School Diploma/GED
02
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have a basic working knowledge of Microsoft 365 (Office) programs?
- Yes
- No
04
Do you currently possess SSTS (Subsurface Sewage Treatment System) certification?
- Yes
- No
Required Question
Salary : $56,347 - $74,152