Enterprise Sustainability Solid Waste and Communications Specialist

Job Details

Working Title: Enterprise Sustainability Solid Waste and Communications Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 90920
• 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: 12/20/2025
• Closing Date: 01/23/2026 (first review of applications/resumes to begin after 01/12/2026)
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Office of Enterprise Sustainability
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $ $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

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

Are you looking to make a difference in sustainability? We have a unique position that is both a sustainability advocate and a communications specialist to help advance the mission, goals, and objectives of the Office of Enterprise Sustainability (OES). To learn more about what we do in OES, visit

The primary purpose and function of this position is to focus on sustainability communications and solid waste best practices across state agencies; develop, edit, and manage external materials (website, digital, and print); provide sustainability messaging, training, and educational resources to agency staff, coordinators, and the Lt. Governor; support enterprise-wide sustainability communication initiatives; and collaborate with agencies and contractors to implement solid waste best practices, including audits and reduction, reuse, recycling, and organics programs. Examples of responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Providing subject matter technical assistance, advice, support, and training to sustainability coordinators, agency staff, and leadership.
• Coordinating timely development and deployment of communication, newsletters, educational materials, training, and technical guidance documents related to initiatives across the Enterprise Sustainability portfolio for a variety of audiences.
• Creating and distributing informational materials on best practices, emerging trends, and technologies.
• Partnering with the OES Director and agency staff with recommendations for resource investment priorities, and direct vendors related to solid waste management improvements, reporting, and best practices.
• Coordinating and/or leading special projects and events for stakeholders at state agency staff to participate in communications and implementation, along with developing and implementing interagency solutions to common waste diversion barriers.
• Performing waste audits, developing needs surveys, preparing reports, and providing and implementing recommendations and improvements.

We are seeking an engaged team member who can handle problems that result from the difficulty of providing strategic direction in an environment in which competing interests, financial constraints, data limitations, and institutional culture restrict what is possible. With this in mind, the person in this position needs to think outside traditional norms to find innovative solutions that includes envisioning new ways to leverage technology, optimizing resource allocations, and fostering an environment that encourages collaboration and broadens perceptions.

If this description aligns with your career interests and describes you, please apply

This position is eligible for up to a 50% hybrid telework arrangement. With a telework arrangement, additional onsite attendance will still be required for team meetings, to meet customer requirements, or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required. Please review the Telework Policy for details.

In addition, traveling of up to 5% will be necessary, including some overnight stays.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

• 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 as described.
• 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 evaluation 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 deliver 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 related 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, and PowerPoint) and telecommunications programs and software (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Webex, or Zoom).
• Champion change by continuously seeking and examining best practices.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, repetitive movements will be required to perform word and data processing for extended periods of time. The incumbent may sit or stand for extended periods of time. The incumbent is regularly required to sit, use wrists, hands, and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk and hear. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The incumbent must frequently lift and/or move up to 30 pounds with or without assistance. Examples of physical requirements may involve setting up and taking down tables, loading and unloading equipment into a vehicle, carrying totes, and lifting and carrying bags of trash and recycling. Working conditions in an office environment will primarily be under controlled temperatures.

While in transit to meet with stakeholders, partners, and/or customers at their preferred location(s), weather and road conditions may vary. The incumbent must obey all 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.

This position involves a moderate degree of statewide travel, including some overnight stays. Traveling of up to 5% will be required to meet with stakeholders, partners, and/or customers at their preferred location(s). Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record and insurance or have reliable transportation.

Application Details
How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at or email For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at or

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title, and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Ly Her at

About the Department of Administration

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• 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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

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 encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and 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, call the Careers Help Desk at or email and let us know the support you need.

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