What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Specialist position at St. Louis County, Minnesota?
Responsible technical work in the application and enforcement of environmental programs and regulations.
The salary range reflected above is the normal hiring range for 2026.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Technician is $30.18 - $42.65 per hour.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Senior is $33.54 - $47.71 per hour.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist is $31.21 - $44.23 per hour.
The full salary range, including longevity pay for Environmental Specialist Senior is $33.54 - $47.71 per hour.
This position is part of the Civil Service Basic Unit Employees Collective Bargaining Agreement represented by Council 5 of AFSCME.
St. Louis County does not participate in E-Verify. All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States, for St. Louis County, on a full-time basis. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas.Environmental Specialist Technician:
An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in the compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include assisting in the review/approval of permit applications for Basic SSTS designs; participating in interim, final and complaint inspections; assists preparing reports and enforcement actions; participates in communications with and education of the public on department policies and programs. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Environmental Specialist:
An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications for Basic SSTS designs; conducting interim, final and complaint inspections; and preparing reports and enforcement actions; assisting in the administration of the SSTS program; communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
Environmental Specialist Senior:
An employee in this class is responsible for ensuring compliance of Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) program laws and ordinances. Duties include reviewing permit applications and Basic or Advanced SSTS designs; conducting interim, final and complaint inspections; and preparing reports and enforcement actions; assisting in the administration of the SSTS program, policy or service changes; communicating with and educating the public on department policies and programs; and working independently on project/program implementation. Work direction may be exercised over staff in lower classifications. The work is performed under the direction of assigned supervisory staff.
These work environment factors are general in nature and may vary depending on the specific position being filled. CONSTANT: Lift and carry up to 10 pounds and color vision. FREQUENT: Near, midrange and far vision; depth perception; field of vision; visual accommodation; hear within 5 feet and up to 20 feet; feel; use fingers; grasp; handle; move about; reach; rotate neck; sit; talk/speak; walk; right and left wrist turn; traffic; work alone, with and around others; customer/public contact; work inside and outside, and drive. OCCASIONAL: Balance; atmospheric conditions; slippery surfaces and work extended days.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist Technician (Pass/Fail):- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field; OR five (5) years of paid verifiable experience designing and/or inspecting subsurface sewage treatment systems; OR equivalent education and/or experience as determined by the director of human resources.
- A Minnesota Pollution Control Agency issued Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate within one (1) year of employment. Failure to obtain this certification within one (1) year will result in termination from the position.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist (Pass/Fail):
- One (1) year as an Environmental Specialist Technician AND the recommendation of the director of the department; OR graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field.
- Must have completed training, passed exams, and submitted required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to obtain Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate.
- Complete training, pass exams and submit required documentation to supervisor and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to obtain a Service Provider Certificate within one (1) year of employment.
- Possession of a valid driver’s license.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Environmental Specialist Senior (Pass/Fail):
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND three (3) years full-time paid verifiable experience in Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) industry; OR a Master's degree in biology, environmental science, geology, geography, soil science or closely related field AND one (1) year full-time paid verifiable experience in SSTS industry; OR three (3) years as an Environmental Specialist AND the recommendation of the director of the department.
- Possession of Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued SSTS Service Provider Certificate, Advanced Designer Certificate and Advanced Inspector Certificate.
- Possession of a valid driver's license.
Note: At the discretion of the hiring authority, the successful candidate may be considered for appointment at the Environmental Specialist Technician, Environmental Specialist or Environmental Specialist Senior level, contingent on minimum qualifications and department need. This would be determined at the time a job offer is extended.
RATING SYSTEM:
Supplemental questions will be 100% of the scoring process:
Points will be awarded based on the applicants answers to supplemental questions 13-19.
Experience beyond ten years may be included on the application for purposes of meeting minimum qualifications or informing the hiring authority of your complete employment history.
Please Note: When answering the supplemental questions on the website, the webpage may time out after 30 minutes. It's recommended you draft your answers in a separate document and copy/paste the answers into the application when you're finished writing. Failure to answer and save all of the questions on the "Supplemental Questions" page within 30 minutes may result in the deletion of your answers by the application system.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT & SCREENING PROCESS SCHEDULE:
- June 16, 2026 - Applicant screening will begin.
- Week of June 29, 2026 - Supplemental question scoring to be completed
- Week of July 13, 2026 - Interviews to be conducted
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The essential functions for this position are listed under the "ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK" on the specification, available in the Human Resources Office or online at www.stlouiscountymn.gov/jobdescriptions.
VETERANS PREFERENCE:
If you are eligible to apply for Veterans Preference, please attach to your application a copy of document(s) listed for the option that applies to you:
- Veteran: DD214 noting character of service
- Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months
- Spouse of Disabled Veteran: DD214 & compensable disability award letter issued within the last 6 months & marriage certificate (eligible only if veteran is unable to qualify because of the disability)
- Spouse of Deceased Veteran: DD214, Marriage Certificate and Death Certificate
Please refer to Minnesota Statute 197.455 for additional requirements. Click Here.
PHYSICAL-MEDICAL STANDARDS:
Qualified applicants must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Applicants selected must meet the physical requirements for the position.
DRUG TESTING:
Applicants selected for appointment must take and pass a drug test.
BACKGROUND CHECK:
Applicants selected for appointment to a position with St. Louis County are subject to a background investigation.
EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION:
All new employees must submit documentation verifying identity and employment eligibility within three days of their first day of employment.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD:
Appointees to the position must successfully complete a twelve-month probationary period prior to being certified for permanent employment.
NON-DISCRIMINATION:
St. Louis County is an equal opportunity and veteran-friendly employer.
Salary : $30 - $41