Engineer Principal - Job ID 78523

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

This position serves as a statewide engineering lead in the industrial wastewater program assigned under the Technical Services Unit at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This position is responsible for performing engineering work for consistency in plans and specification review of industrial wastewater permit applications, leadership in developing training and outreach programs for technical staff, and mentoring other engineers in the industrial wastewater program. This position is responsible for leading initiatives related to engineering and industrial wastewater policy on a statewide basis. The incumbent provides technical advice to the MPCA management team on emerging issues after research, analysis and development of engineering standards identified through the course of program operation. The incumbent provides engineering expertise, as needed, to C&E and permit writer staff; for technical analysis and testimony exceeding their KSAs, and engaging with regulated parties to review and develop engineering solutions to complex environmental challenges. This position is responsible for the statewide technical lead for refineries, airports, industrial facilities with PFAS effluents, and other assigned industrial wastewater sectors. 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, Environmental or similar engineering field from an accredited engineering college AND three years engineering experience at the Senior Engineer, Senior Engineering Specialist or Graduate Engineer 2 level (experience must include at least one year at the Senior Engineer level).

Licensure with the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design or be able to obtain licensure through reciprocity.

Understanding of water resource engineering, hydrology, pollutant monitoring, and wastewater treatment principles and practices.

Understanding of federal and state regulatory frameworks and their applicability to wastewater treatment facilities.

Strong technical and administrative writing skills, including Business English, grammar and spelling, necessary to organize and effectively present ideas to the intended audience.

Valid Class D Driver's License

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

Experience with determining compliance and conducting inspections and complaint investigations.

Strong collaboration skills to work with teams of engineers and scientists in the research areas of data collection, data analysis, and reporting.

Understanding of water pollution control technology and the ability to evaluate the control equipment and abatement programs as to regulatory applicability and effectiveness. 

Understanding of source specific and general water pollution sampling methodology.

Ability to learn the agency’s enterprise database (Tempo)

Good presentation skills and the ability to present complex technical information in a manner that can be easily understood by a range of audiences.

Demonstrated experience working with representatives of government agencies, business partners, and the public.

Advanced knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, toxicology, hydrology and environmental management.

Physical Requirements

Ability to conduct site visits in adverse weather conditions at a variety of industrial facilities. Ability to carry up to 20 pounds (monitoring equipment, file boxes).

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 weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

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.