Environmental Specialist (Education & Outreach) - Dakota County

General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources HOURS: Full-time PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $70,518 - $88,148/year FULL SALARY RANGE: $70,518 - $110,185/year (108 grade) LOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple Valley UNION: None CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 3, 2025 What You'll Do The Environmental Specialist position functions in a professional capacity to develop and implement education and outreach strategies to protect human and ecological health with respect to environmental conditions. The person in this position will manage complex work projects, and will apply technical expertise to complex program and operational issues. This position will be responsible for working with the Water Resources Manager and other senior staff to plan, implement, and evaluate environmental initiatives. Who We Are Dakota County is Minnesota s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is Be More and we strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required. Manage the development and implementation of internal and external education and outreach water-related programs and initiatives. Research, develop, implement, and evaluate water-related environmental education programs, projects and promotions. Coordinate, develop and maintain partnerships with residents, communities, businesses, and partner organizations, as well as other department teams, to implement water-related environmental education and outreach strategies. Create internal awareness, share resources and coordinate water-related education and outreach promotions and activities as part of workgroups and via interagency collaboration. Develop and administer contracts, invoices and budgets for water-related education and outreach programs and initiatives. Coordinate environmental activities with other county departments and teams, community organizations, and other government entities. Research, design, coordinate, and prepare studies, grants, award applications, and educational materials related to new initiatives that further develop our environmental education programs. Administer and coordinate the water-related environmental volunteer programs with the support of the countywide volunteer program. Facilitate environmental training sessions and workshops. Represent the county and department to other governmental agencies and to the public and participate in county and regional workgroups to further the water-related environmental education programs. Develop and execute work plans with measurable outcomes that meet objectives related to the county board goals. Provide leadership for the evaluation of programs and processes for continuous improvement of education and outreach efforts. All the duties listed above are essential functions. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment Working knowledge of environmental protection programs and services, current trends and resources, and the demonstrated ability and skill to apply this knowledge. Knowledge of government functions and organizations affecting county government. Demonstrated project management skills, particularly as they may relate to environmental protection programs and initiatives. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in addressing and coordinating the resolution of complex envir nmental issues, and the ability to work independent of direct supervision to resolve complex environmental issues. Ability to conduct research, plan projects, and use statistical analysis. Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting technical data. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, representatives of government and the private sector, and the general public. Ability to effectively participate in multi-disciplinary teams, to be a team leader when appropriate, and have a demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts. Ability to develop and execute work plans with measurable outcomes that meet environmental objectives. Ability to communicate effectively, in both verbal and written forms. Ability to prepare reports, letters, charts, maps, and other documents with strong attention to detail, using Microsoft Office Products, and computer databases. Ability to employ strong organizational and time management skills. Work Environment Work is performed in a county office building and at various sites located in the metropolitan area. Work is occasionally performed in the evenings and on weekends. Lifting up to 35 pounds on a daily basis and exerting in excess of 50 pounds on an infrequent basis. Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions and various physical and chemical hazards in the course of conducting assigned duties. Types of equipment used may include a cell phone, personal computer/laptop, copier, scanner, and vehicles. Location & Schedule This is a hybrid position that offers a mix of telework and in-person work at our Western Service Center in Apple Valley, MN. Work is performed Monday through Friday during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), with some evening and weekend days. Benefits Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits Excellent work-life balance Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year) Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday Pension with a generous employer contribution Ability to work from home some of the time Selection Process You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions We assign you a score based on your qualifications Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration We conduct background and reference checks before hiring