Enterprise Sustainability Solid Waste and Communications Specialist - State Prog
Minnesota Department of Administration, Saint Paul, MN, United States
Job Details
Working Title: Enterprise Sustainability Solid Waste and Communications Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: Administration Dept
Job ID: 93601
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 04/18/2026
Closing Date: 05/01/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
Division/Unit: Enterprise Sustainability
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes - up to 5%
Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Overview
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. This position is a sustainability advocate and communications specialist that helps advance the mission, goals, and objectives of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability (OES).
Responsibilities
Provide subject matter technical assistance, advice, support, and training to sustainability coordinators, agency staff, and leadership.
Coordinate timely development and deployment of communications, newsletters, educational materials, training, and technical guidance documents related to initiatives across the Enterprise Sustainability portfolio for a variety of audiences.
Create and distribute informational materials on best practices, emerging trends, and technologies.
Partner with the OES Director and agency staff to recommend resource investment priorities, and manage vendors related to solid waste management improvements, reporting, and best practices.
Coordinate and/or lead special projects and events for stakeholders and agency staff to participate in communications and implementation, and develop interagency solutions to common waste diversion barriers.
Perform waste audits, develop needs surveys, prepare reports, and provide and implement recommendations and improvements.
We seek an engaged team member who can handle problems that arise from competing interests, financial constraints, data limitations, and institutional culture. The ideal candidate envisions innovative solutions, leverages technology, optimizes resource allocations, and fosters collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of experience in communications and/or solid waste. Communications include editing, writing, and producing technical and journalistic documents/articles/communications. Solid waste includes auditing waste, assessing, and implementing best practices.
A Bachelor’s degree in communications, environmental science, sustainability management, political science, economics, or related discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
An Associate's degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience.
Knowledge of communications practices and strategies related to environmental or sustainability issues, including, but not limited to, environmental interpretations, public engagement, employee engagement, change management, or other relevant fields.
Knowledge of solid waste tracking and reporting, bin best practices, and waste prevention, reuse, organics, recycling, and general solid waste management methods.
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis sufficient to evaluate program information and reports, diagnose problems, research alternative methods of services, and synthesize information into content accessible to all.
Strong organizational and project management skills, such as organizing many stakeholders and delivering multistep projects or processes.
Strong communication skills sufficient to effectively present complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Interpersonal and human relation skills to effectively relate to and work with a wide variety of individuals.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of state government/tribal functions, policies, procedures, and practices related to solid waste.
Knowledge of laws and administrative procedures sufficient to approve or disapprove grant funding and advise clients of program operations and requirements.
Ability to lead projects and coordinate programs.
Experience with developing new employee orientation and ongoing trainings or messaging around sustainability topics.
Experience with software tools, such as Captivate or other similar software used to develop online learning modules and their related accessibility and formatting compliance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and telecommunications programs and software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex, Zoom).
Champion change by continuously seeking and examining best practices.
Physical Requirements
Repetitive movements, extended periods of sitting or standing, and tasks requiring the use of wrists, hands, and fingers. Occasionally stand, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Frequent lifting of up to 30 pounds may be required. Work environment is primarily an office setting with controlled temperatures. Travel may involve variable weather and road conditions. All duties must comply with traffic laws and safety rules.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record and insurance or have reliable transportation.
Benefits
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
Training, classes, and professional development
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support
Confidential program that helps employees and families with mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
Daily Living/Convenience Services such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.
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 encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The diverse experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen 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, please contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us for support.
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Working Title: Enterprise Sustainability Solid Waste and Communications Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: Administration Dept
Job ID: 93601
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: Yes
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 04/18/2026
Closing Date: 05/01/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
Division/Unit: Enterprise Sustainability
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes - up to 5%
Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Overview
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. This position is a sustainability advocate and communications specialist that helps advance the mission, goals, and objectives of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability (OES).
Responsibilities
Provide subject matter technical assistance, advice, support, and training to sustainability coordinators, agency staff, and leadership.
Coordinate timely development and deployment of communications, newsletters, educational materials, training, and technical guidance documents related to initiatives across the Enterprise Sustainability portfolio for a variety of audiences.
Create and distribute informational materials on best practices, emerging trends, and technologies.
Partner with the OES Director and agency staff to recommend resource investment priorities, and manage vendors related to solid waste management improvements, reporting, and best practices.
Coordinate and/or lead special projects and events for stakeholders and agency staff to participate in communications and implementation, and develop interagency solutions to common waste diversion barriers.
Perform waste audits, develop needs surveys, prepare reports, and provide and implement recommendations and improvements.
We seek an engaged team member who can handle problems that arise from competing interests, financial constraints, data limitations, and institutional culture. The ideal candidate envisions innovative solutions, leverages technology, optimizes resource allocations, and fosters collaboration.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of experience in communications and/or solid waste. Communications include editing, writing, and producing technical and journalistic documents/articles/communications. Solid waste includes auditing waste, assessing, and implementing best practices.
A Bachelor’s degree in communications, environmental science, sustainability management, political science, economics, or related discipline may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
An Associate's degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience.
Knowledge of communications practices and strategies related to environmental or sustainability issues, including, but not limited to, environmental interpretations, public engagement, employee engagement, change management, or other relevant fields.
Knowledge of solid waste tracking and reporting, bin best practices, and waste prevention, reuse, organics, recycling, and general solid waste management methods.
Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis sufficient to evaluate program information and reports, diagnose problems, research alternative methods of services, and synthesize information into content accessible to all.
Strong organizational and project management skills, such as organizing many stakeholders and delivering multistep projects or processes.
Strong communication skills sufficient to effectively present complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
Interpersonal and human relation skills to effectively relate to and work with a wide variety of individuals.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of state government/tribal functions, policies, procedures, and practices related to solid waste.
Knowledge of laws and administrative procedures sufficient to approve or disapprove grant funding and advise clients of program operations and requirements.
Ability to lead projects and coordinate programs.
Experience with developing new employee orientation and ongoing trainings or messaging around sustainability topics.
Experience with software tools, such as Captivate or other similar software used to develop online learning modules and their related accessibility and formatting compliance.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and telecommunications programs and software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex, Zoom).
Champion change by continuously seeking and examining best practices.
Physical Requirements
Repetitive movements, extended periods of sitting or standing, and tasks requiring the use of wrists, hands, and fingers. Occasionally stand, stoop, kneel, or crouch. Frequent lifting of up to 30 pounds may be required. Work environment is primarily an office setting with controlled temperatures. Travel may involve variable weather and road conditions. All duties must comply with traffic laws and safety rules.
Additional Requirements
Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record and insurance or have reliable transportation.
Benefits
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
Training, classes, and professional development
Tuition reimbursement
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support
Confidential program that helps employees and families with mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
Daily Living/Convenience Services such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.
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 encourage persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The diverse experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen 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, please contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers@state.mn.us for support.
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