Job Description
Working Title: Water Quality Coordinator Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator Agency: Pollution Control Agency - Job ID : 86524
- Location : Various*
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 05/29/2025
- Closing Date : 06/11/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
- Division/Unit : Industrial Division / Technical Services Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes
- Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
- Job Class Option : Environmental
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
* This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: St. Paul, Brainerd, or Duluth
The work you'll do is more than just a job. At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary As the Water Quality Permit Coordinator at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), you will provide program coordination between the water quality permitting program and the Technical Services Unit to ensure effective, efficient, and equitable implementation of the permitting program for ferrous and non-ferrous mining projects. This position is aware of proposed and promulgated federal rules and recommends appropriate response to ensure the interests of the state water resources are fully considered and to ensure timely and effective implementation of these regulations for ferrous mining projects. This position will assist the Technical Services Unit by providing coordination and leadership for specific mining project and program implementation and will coordinate with the Water Quality Permits Section leadership and staff as needed. This position is the lead water quality permitting contact/coordinator for mining projects and ensures that permits are written in compliance with all state and federal rules and regulations. The position may also be responsible for writing water quality permits, providing engineering support, or performing hydrologic and hydrogeologic reviews, as time and workload allows. The assigned permits and reviews must be processed in a timely manner to meet work plan, regulatory requirements, and customer needs. Within the Agency, the position requires cooperation and coordination with MPCA leadership staff, technical experts, water quality permits staff, effluent limits staff, policy staff, regulatory compliance staff, training staff, and communications staff. The work assigned to this position has an emphasis on regulator and permit process expertise and complement the work assigned to other technical expert positions, such as Principal engineers. Outside the Agency, the position requires cooperation and coordination with different branches of local, state, and federal government, consulting engineers, and regulated parties. The incumbent may be asked to present MPCA positions to the media, legislative branch members and their staff, and numerous external stakeholders and the public in general.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Four years of professional-level experience in an environmental regulatory/protection field or assistance program.
Working knowledge and ability to read and interpret federal regulations and state water related laws, rules, statutes and general regulatory processes in Minnesota as they apply to ferrous or non-ferrous mineral mining.
Demonstrated skills in the areas of planning, project management, coordination, communication, decision-making, writing, leadership and communication.
Effective human relations skills to work with clientele and staff, problem-solving skills for resolving technical matters, and the ability to bring projects to a conclusion related to often controversial mining projects.
Valid Class D Driver's License (see additional requirements).
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of MPCA water quality permitting policies, procedures and the permit writing database and related permitting tools.
Advanced level of understanding of the science of hydrology and hydrogeology including water chemistry and flow for both ground and surface water with basic knowledge of how the science of hydrology is applied to ferrous or non-ferrous mining facilities (i.e. knowledge of chemistry, statistics, and common hydrologic computer modeling) or engineering practices found within operating mining facilities.
A working knowledge of the water-related laws, rules, and general regulatory processes in Minnesota as they apply to ferrous and/or non-ferrous mineral mining.
Experience using computers and software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, sufficient to create quality work including reports, spreadsheets, analyses, databases and correspondence.
Additional Requirements A driver's license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver's License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver's license AND a satisfactory driver's license record check. Requires a Class D driver's license: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination does not exceed 26,000 pounds.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Patty Atchison at
[email protected] To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Patty Atchison at
[email protected] .
About Pollution Control Agency Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected] and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Work visa, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,