Environmental Specialist

St. Louis County, MN

Kind of Work

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.

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.

Distinguishing Features of Work

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.

Work Environment

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.

Selection Process

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.

Eligible St. Louis County employees earn a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

Vacation, Sick and Personal Leave
Paid Holidays
Medical Plan
Dental Plan
Vision Plan
Disability Insurance
Life Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts
Retirement Benefits
Deferred Compensation
Training and Advancement Opportunities
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Resource Groups
Employee Wellness Program
Pet Insurance

Benefits are prorated for part-time employees and administered in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement or management compensation plan.

Please type or clearly print your name.

The information you provide related to your education, training, and experience is subject to verification. I understand that giving false information, failing to accurately represent myself, or not providing required documentation as listed on the job announcement will result in disqualification.

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States for St. Louis County?

All employees must be continuously authorized to work in the United States. St. Louis County does not provide sponsorship for employment visas, and it does not currently participate in E-Verify. Will you now, or will you in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States?

Yes, I will now, or will in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States
No, I will not now, or in the future, require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status) to work legally for St. Louis County in the United States

Select your highest level of education completed.

Master's degree biology, environmental science, geology, geography or soil science
Master's degree in a closely related field
Master's degree in any field
Bachelor's degree biology, environmental science, geology, geography or soil science
Bachelor's degree in a closely related field
Bachelor's degree in any field
Associate's degree in any field
0-60 credits completed (no degree)
High School Diploma
None of the above

Do you currently possess three (3) years full-time paid verifiable experience in Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) industry.

Do you possess a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Basic Inspector Certificate?

Do you possess a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) issued Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Advanced Inspector Certificate AND Advanced Designer Certificate?

Do you have a valid driver's license?

If you answered "Yes" to questions 7 or 8, please attach a copy of your certificates (SSTS Basic Inspector and Basic Designer Certificates, Service Provider Certificate, SSTS Advanced Inspector and Advanced Designer Certificates) in the resume attachment section of the online application, or send the copy to: Human Resources, 100 N. 5th Ave. W, Room 1, Duluth, MN 55802 or email to ***email_hidden***. Failure to provide a copy of your certificates will result in rejection of your application. I understand that I am required to attach a copy of my certificates to my application. Note: By answering "No", we will not be able to accept your application

At the discretion of the hiring authority, it is possible that this position will be filled using either the Environmental Specialist Technician (full salary range including longevity pay is $30.18 - $42.65); Environmental Specialist (full salary range including longevity pay is $31.21 - $44.23) or the Environmental Specialist Senior class (full salary range including longevity pay is $33.54 - $47.71). Please indicate your willingness to accept employment as follows: (Check all that apply)

Environmental Specialist Technician
Environmental Specialist
Environmental Specialist Senior

SME Explanation: Questions 13-19 will be reviewed by a Subject Matter Expert (SME). The questions will be scored and used to help determine 100% of your score. For each question, please list the organization(s) and/or employers where you gained the experience. All information listed must also be supported in the work experience section of your application. I have read and understand the instructions given above and acknowledge that I understand my score is derived 100% from my answers to supplemental questions 13-19.

Please describe your experience within the Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) industry.

Please describe any experience you may have related to describing and sampling soil.

The role of an Environmental Technician/Specialist involves going in the field to verify soils and to conduct inspections of new septic system installations. Please describe any field work you have done.

The Onsite Wastewater Division has implemented an online permitting program and utilizes GIS and other web mapping software for environmental reviews. Describe your experience with these kinds of computer software programs.

In this position you will interact with property owners, septic contractors, and other industry professionals regarding issuance of permits, final inspections, and point of sale requirements. What do you see as key interpersonal skills to ensure good customer service and how would you handle any potential conflict that may arise?

Describe your ability to work independently. Please provide examples of your paid professional self-directed work experience. Please include in your response the organization(s) and position title(s) where you performed the related duties.

Please describe your proficiency with computer software programs. Include in your response, the types and length of time working with each program.

I certify that my responses to the questions above are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Yes
No
Required Question