ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB POSTING

Position:  Environmental Compliance Specialist
Department:  Zoning Department
Location:  Cambridge, MN
Job Type:  Full-time (40 hours per week)
Work Schedule:  Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Work Setting:  On-site; requires regular, in-person attendance
FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt
Union Affiliation:  Teamsters Local 320 Courthouse

Compensation

• Expected 2026 Hiring Range: $30.36 - $32.37 per hour ($63,148.80 - $67,329.60 annually), depending on qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity.
• Full Range: $30.36 – $39.23 per hour ($63,148.80 – $81,598.40 annually), with the potential for additional longevity-based pay.

Application Requirements
Applicants must fully complete the Work Experience and Education sections of the online application and attach a resume for all positions.  Applications that are incomplete may not be considered.

Posting Details

• Posted: Friday, January 9, 2026
• Application Deadline: Friday, January 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
• Equal Opportunity: AA/EEO

Application and Selection Process
After the posting closes, Human Resources will review all applications.  If your qualifications align with the requirements, you will be contacted via email with details regarding the next steps in the selection process.  Please note:  Emails from Isanti County Human Resources may occasionally be directed to your junk or spam folder. Be sure to check these folders regularly to avoid missing important updates regarding your application.

Benefits
Isanti County offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care
• Life insurance (basic coverage for yourself plus optional voluntary coverage)
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid Time Off, including vacation, sick, and personal leave
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plans
• Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) contributions from both employer and employee
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program

To view the available insurance and benefit options, click here.

General Definition of Work

The job of the Environmental Compliance Specialist is specialized technical work in the enforcement of the Isanti County Zoning Ordinance, Isanti County Solid Waste Ordinance and all other applicable county ordinances.  This position will work closely with and request assistance from the Health & Safety Coordinator regarding public health nuisances.  Furthermore, protecting our community from environmental factors that may adversely affect the ecological balances essential to health and environmental quality.

Work involves providing information, conducting field inspections for ordinance compliance, researching property legal information and testifying at hearings relating to violations or non-compliance.  Works on own initiative and must regularly exercise technical judgment and discretion based on familiarity with County Ordinance regulations and State Statutes. The work is subject to review by the Zoning Administrator through progress reports, conferences and observation.  Consequence of error could result in possible economic loss and lawsuits.

Essential Functions

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Functions as environmental compliance professional within Isanti County responsible for enforcing County Ordinances including shoreland permitting with a goal of obtaining voluntary compliance.
• Investigates complaints and conducts field investigations of potential violations; gathers evidence; compares facts to code/ordinance requirements, makes findings; and issues correction notices/stop work orders or initiates formal complaints with the County Attorney’s Office or Sheriff’s Department; secures ordinance compliance.
• Confers with and advises developers, contractors, property owners, other interested parties and the general public regarding County Ordinance requirements.
• Performs inspections of properties to determine compliance with the provisions of applicable ordinances and regulations.
• Provides consultative and technical assistance services to operators, government partners, and the public outlining recommended corrective actions.
• Obtains evidence of environmental code violations.
• Reviews cases being prepared for trial with emphasis on evidentiary and legal issues crucial to successful prosecution.
• Prepares detailed reports of activities and investigations made; consults with prosecutors and prepares case reports for court action; testifies in court.
• Provides education and consultation to the community related to current, new or emerging environmental health issues.
• Utilizes the GIS database in the Zoning Department.
• Assists with front counter and other duties assigned by the Zoning Administrator.
• Assists the public, local state and federal agencies in completing forms, explaining pertinent laws and regulations, searching files for information, providing technical information, calculating, assessing and collecting fees and signing permits.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in physical sciences or closely related field OR 2 years of experience in County Zoning compliance atmosphere.
• Ability to lift and carry supplies and equipment; stand up to several hours at a time; and navigate tight spaces and long distances over a variety of terrain.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Special Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher with emphasis in public health, physical sciences, or degree closely related from an accredited four-year college OR 4 years of experience in County Zoning compliance atmosphere.
• Experience as a paid employee of a regulatory agency.
• Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems Certification.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of Isanti County zoning and solid waste ordinances and governing Minnesota State Statutes and Code of Agency Rules, County and departmental policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices as related to the recognition, elimination, and control of environmental compliance.
• Knowledge of County Ordinances, interpretation and enforcement.
• Knowledge of MPCA Construction storm water standards/NPDES Standards.
• Knowledge of office procedures and practices as it relates to the Environmental Services Division.
• Knowledge of use history, geography, topography, policies, practices and organizations of the County.
• Knowledge in use and skill in aerial photos, County GIS program, topographic maps and legal descriptions.
• Ability to convey information, coordinate workflow, maintain complex schedules, respond and communicate effectively.
• Ability to conduct site inspections in varying terrain.
• Ability to analyze complex situations, problems and data, and use sound judgement in making decisions.
• Ability to testify in court in a professional manner.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, courteous working relationships with a variety of people including division staff, business owners, property owners, and other interested parties regardless of race, religion, age, sex disability or political affiliation.
• Ability to meet the public and explain zoning and land use codes concisely, tactfully and impartially.
• Ability to maintain a regular and timely work attendance.

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements and Activity

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 10 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, using hands to finger, handle or feel, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions.

Sensory Requirements

Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.

Sensory Utilization

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities.

Environmental Conditions

Work frequently requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

The statements in this class description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

A fully completed Isanti County Online Application and resume must be received by Human Resources by the closing date and time listed on the posting.  Any materials received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

The application will be evaluated in a Training and Experience Assessment worth 100 points.  Veterans Preference will be applied in accordance with Minnesota law.  A top group of qualified applicants will be invited to the interview process.

Final appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation including a criminal history search.  Costs of the background will be paid for by Isanti County.

Mission
Working Together to Deliver Quality Services Valued by the
Community, Today and for Generations to Come.