Permit Writer - Environmental Specialist 4
Working Title: Permit Writer
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Job ID
: 89081
Location
: Various*
Telework Eligible
: Yes
Full/Part Time
: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
: Unlimited
Who May Apply
: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted
: 09/23/2025
Closing Date
: 10/06/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit
: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit
: Industrial Division / Water Permits Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours
: Day Shift
Days of Work
: Monday - Friday
Travel Required
: Yes (10%)
Salary Range:
$34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
Classified Status
: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union
: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status
: Nonexempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/co...) : Yes
This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: St. Paul, Rochester, Duluth, Detroit Lakes, Brainerd, Mankato or Marshall
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 , and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position is located within the Industrial Division's Water Quality Permits unit at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). The position performs duties associated with writing and issuing permits for implementing the Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and the State Disposal System (SDS) program in the division. The work includes meeting with project proposers prior to and after application submittal, review of application forms and related documentation, preparation and issuance of NPDES/SDS permits for surface water, land, or sub-surface wastewater discharges, and appropriate database management and record retention work. This position performs and coordinates effluent limit reviews for NPDES permitted wastewater facilities. The incumbent is responsible for giving advice to and developing effluent limitations for industrial wastewater dischargers. This position also provides coordination and leadership for specific projects (process improvements and permitting) and serves as back-up to the wastewater program leadership and program coordinator for program implementation and specific permit projects as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of advanced professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience which includes working knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks implementing federal regulations, Minnesota statutes and rules, water quality standards, guidance, and policies as they pertain to complex NPDES/SDS and SDS permits. Complex permits include but are not limited to those involving water quality trading, nutrient management plans, variances, and River Eutrophication Standard limits.
AND
Strong communication and human relations skills to include the ability to review permit application documents, work with permitees, and other interested parties in written and verbal formats.
Experience assisting or mentoring staff on environmental protection issues and/or NPDES permitting.
Demonstrated strong technical writing skills and accomplished computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements).
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Qualifications
Strong working knowledge of/experience with industrial permits, and State and Federal water quality rules and environmental regulations.
Experience issuing NPDES permits
Experience calculating appropriate effluent limits for NPDES permits.
Understand complex industry processes and rules/regulations.
Ability to successfully prepare and deliver presentations and training.
Ability to identify and evaluate information/data and develop policy and program strategy recommendations and to conceptualize alternative solutions to complex issues.
Demonstrated expertise performing complex enforcement actions.
Physical Requirements
Ability to move about on industrial sites. Inspection work is mostly performed in field settings. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and step over obstacles in uneven terrain. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Ability to carry 20+ pounds.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of the following:
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 weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of . We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their , , , creed, , , , , protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, , gender , gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.