Environmental Specialist (Land Use/Septic) in Caledonia, Minnesota at Houston County Minnesota

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.

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	50%
2. Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) 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	25%
3. Wetland Assist with administration of the Wetland Conservation Act.	15%
4. Delegated Feedlot Officer 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	10%

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.
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

OR-

• An equivalent combination of related education, training and experience, demonstrating the ability to perform the essential job functions
• Valid driver’s license

Post-Employment Criteria/Experience

• SSTS certification within three years of employment

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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

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