Climate Smart Food Systems Program Coordinator

Job Summary

This position, located in the Climate Assistance Unit, exists to provide strategic, administrative, and leadership direction, both internally and externally, for the Minnesota Climate-smart Food System Initiative (CSFS). The Minnesota CSFS Initiative is a suite of programs focused on a holistic approach to reduce climate pollution and build equity in Minnesota’s food systems. The CSFS Initiative is funded by a 5-year grant through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications:

Four (4) years of advanced-professional experience coordinating and developing statewide, long-range plans for environmental, natural resources, other related governmental area with knowledge of the principles and practices of diverse areas of environmental program management such as monitoring, risk assessment, GHG mitigation, and/or waste reduction. (Example: Advanced professional-level experience within MPCA is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist: Environmental Specialist 3, Hydro 2, SPA Sr./Planner Sr., or higher-level work)

OR

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental science, environmental health, soils, geology, the aquatic sciences, environmental policy or related field and three (3) years advanced professional environmental experience as described above. (A master’s degree in a field listed above would substitute for one year of experience.)

AND

Demonstrated planning and project management skills. Effective human relations skills to work with clientele and staff, problem-solving skills for resolving technical matters, and the ability to bring projects to a conclusion.

Please note. 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

• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of the principles of major environmental regulatory and/or climate policy programs, federal and state laws.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion in developing, applying, and interpreting policy and procedures.
• Experience in policy and program development for climate action or food policy.
• Technical expertise and direct experience working on issues surrounding climate pollution mitigation or food policy.

Ability to:

• Communicate sufficiently to mobilize action to achieve organizational goals, to coach and advise other program staff, and to support programs in resolving differences of opinion and creating a collaborative path forward.
• Communicate complicated information to interested individuals and groups, and provide information to committees, legislators, and in other public forums.
• Work with a number of state agencies in the development of coordinating programs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with public officials and planning groups.
• Utilize effective science communication skills.
• Skills in negotiation and consensus building as the position will work with diverse individuals and organizations to find solutions to complex public policy and environmental management problems.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

Position duties may require travel, but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.