Environmental or Senior Environmental Scientist

Environmental or Senior Environmental Scientist

Salary

$75,774.40 - $132,932.80 Annually

Location

Metro Plant - 2400 Childs Rd. St. Paul MN 55106, MN

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

2026-00352

Division

Environmental Services

Department

Supp Srvcs-Process Engineering

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

WHO WE ARE

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water resources and supply planning, and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs. MCES treatment plants consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. MCES received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) division is accepting applications for one (1) full-time Environmental Scientist OR one (1) full-time Senior Environmental Scientist.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

The Environmental Scientist/Senior Environmental Scientist will support and lead key environmental compliance programs for Environmental Services (ES) at a time when wastewater regulations are changing quickly. This role ensures current and future compliance by developing and implementing practical program strategies; managing permits and regulatory obligations; and working directly with plant operations, engineering, and field staff to build compliance into daily work. The position includes preparing and submitting required plans and reports; conducting field verification and site coordination; and developing tools and guidance that strengthen our Compliance Management System and data-driven decision making. The person in this role tracks and interprets new regulatory developments, helps the organization plan for future limits and treatment needs, and represents ES in discussions with regulatory agencies and regional partners.

Candidates permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.

What you would do in this job

• Lead and support major environmental compliance programs: including NPDES, biosolids, tank storage, air quality, hazardous waste, remediation, groundwater, watershed, and stormwater programs, and ensure assigned programs and tasks meet all applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Develop and support permit strategies, including modifications, renewals, and early planning for regulatory changes.
• Work directly with treatment plant operations, maintenance, engineering, and field staff to integrate compliance into daily work and verify conditions on-site.
• Prepare, review, and submit accurate compliance reports, plans, permits, and regulatory correspondence, maintaining complete, well-organized, and accessible documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements, information equity principles, and applicable records retention schedules.
• Conduct compliance assessments and on-site verifications, identifying issues early and ensuring corrective actions are practical, timely, and aligned with operational needs.
• Monitor, interpret, and translate emerging regulations into clear, actionable requirements for Environmental Services.
• Provide technical guidance and regulatory interpretation to support operational decisions, capital planning, and strategic initiatives across all facilities.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of the Compliance Management System and related tools, including the new Origami platform, by helping translate program needs into practical workflows and using system data for trend analysis, KPIs, and evaluating program health.
• Analyze environmental monitoring and operational data to evaluate compliance status, identify trends, and support risk assessments and long-range planning.
• Represent Environmental Services to regulatory agencies during inspections, permit discussions, and technical exchanges, ensuring accurate and transparent communication.
• Prepare and present technical information to internal teams, leadership, regulators, and external partners in formats that support clear decision making.
• Support organizational prioritization by simplifying complex regulatory requirements, evaluating actual risk, and helping the team focus resources on the issues that matter most.

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Environmental Scientist

Any of the following combinations of education (in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or related scientific field) and professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or related scientific field
• Associate's degree in biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or other related environmental, health and safety degrees and four (4) years of professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• High School diploma or GED and six (6) years of experience in professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.

Senior Environmental Scientist

Any of the following combinations of education (in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or related scientific field) and professional level experience in a scientific field related to the position:

• Master's degree Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or related scientific field.
• Bachelors degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or related degree and two (2) years of professional level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• Associates degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or other related environmental, health and safety degree and six (6) years of professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• High School diploma or GED and eight (8) years of experience in professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience building strong working relationships with field, engineering, and leadership, demonstrating a People First approach and supporting an active field partnership.
• Ability to interpret and translate complex or emerging regulations into clear, practical guidance that supports adaptive and data-driven compliance.
• Experience managing or supporting major environmental programs: such as NPDES, stormwater, SPCC, hazardous waste, or biosolids; with the ability to develop forward-looking permit and regulatory strategies.
• Comfort working in a field where requirements change, showing flexibility, curiosity, and problem-solving skills aligned with adapting to change and continuous improvement.
• Skill in evaluating environmental and operational data, including using trends, KPIs, or monitoring results to assess compliance status, identify risk, and support decision-making.
• Experience contributing to compliance systems or EHS software by helping define practical workflows, documenting processes, and using digital tools to improve program clarity and transparency.
• Strong technical writing skills for preparing and editing permits, reports, procedures, and regulatory correspondence, with the ability to communicate clearly across technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work effectively across business units and with external regulators in a collaborative, respectful, and solution-focused manner consistent with Working Together.

What knowledge, skills, and abilities you should have within the first six months on the job:

• Knowledge of environmental field monitoring and compliance verification procedures, including how to assess permit conditions on-site at wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of wastewater operations, including basic wastewater treatment principles, processes, equipment, and flow from influent to effluent.
• Working knowledge of NPDES, stormwater, and biosolids permit requirements and regulations, such as SWPPPs, monthly stormwater inspections, conditional limits, compliance schedules, and notification and reporting requirements.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot issues that deviate from SOPs, permit requirements, or expected operating conditions, and communicate recommended actions.
• Ability to analyze environmental and operational data using calculations, graphs, trend evaluations, and tabulations to determine compliance status or emerging risks.
• Ability to meet required regulatory deadlines, including recurring reports, permit submissions, routine inspections, and time-sensitive compliance tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple programs and tasks simultaneously, with skill in prioritizing and organizing work activities in a complex, operational environment.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Additional information

Additional information

Environmental Scientist

Union: AFSCME Grade F

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Full Salary Range: $36.43 - $59.13 Hourly / $75,774.00 - $122,990.00 Annually

Senior Environmental Scientist

Union/Grade: AFSCME Grade G

FLSA Status: Exempt

Safety Sensitive: No

Full Salary Range: $39.41 - $63.91 Hourly / $81,973.00 - $132,933 Annually

Work Environment

Work is generally performed in a standard office setting. may require travel between primary work site to other sites. Environment may be hot, cold, dirty and/or dusty. Occasionally may be required to work evenings and weekends.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

• We review your minimum qualifications.
• We rate your education and experience.
• We conduct a structured panel interview.
• We conduct a selection interview.

Once you have successfully completed the steps above, then:

If you are new to the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (safety sensitive positions only), and a background check which verifies education, employment, and criminal history. A smell sensitivity assessment is required as part of the hiring process. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the job. If you have a criminal conviction, you do not automatically fail. The Metropolitan Council considers felony, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor convictions on a case-by-case basis, based on whether they are related to the job and whether the candidate has demonstrated adequate rehabilitation.

If you are already an employee of the Metropolitan Council, you must pass a drug test (if moving from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety sensitive position) and criminal background check if the job youre applying for is safety sensitive, is a supervisory or management job, is in the Finance, Information Services, Audit, or Human Resources departments, or has access to financial records, files/databases, cash, vouchers or transit fare cards. A smell sensitivity assessment is required as part of the hiring process. A driving record check and/or physical may be conducted if applicable to the position.

IMPORTANT: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be barred from job consideration.

The Metropolitan Council is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and veteran-friendly employer. The Council is committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the region and strongly encourages persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during the selection process, please email HR-OCCHealth@metc.state.mn.us.

Employer

Metropolitan Council

Address

390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website

https://metrocouncil.org

We believe our employees are a key to our agencys success! In order to attract and retain high quality employees, the Council provides a highly competitive benefits package both in choice and coverage levels. Some highlights about our benefits are listed below:

• Guaranteed monthly retirement income through Minnesota State Retirement System pension fund
• Opportunity to save additional funds for retirement on a tax-deferred basis through a voluntary deferred compensation (457) plan
• Two or more medical plans from which to choose, with employer contribution towards premiums over 80%
• Dental insurance, life insurance and vision insurance

The following benefits are provided to all employees as part of working for the Council. You will have access to free:

• Well@Work clinic
• bus/rail pass valued at over $1200 per year
• parking at many job locations
• fitness centers at many job locations
• Employee Assistance Program
• extensive health and wellness programs and resources

01

Applicant Instructions: It is important that your application shows all relevant education and experience you possess. The supplemental questions listed below are to further evaluate your education and experience and to determine your eligibility for this position. Answer each question completely, and please do not type "see resume." Otherwise, your application will be considered incomplete, and you will not receive further consideration for this position. The experience you indicate in your responses should also be consistent with the Work History section of this application. If you attach a resume and/or cover letter to your application, it will be reviewed at the education and experience review step. I have read and understand the above instructions regarding my application and supplemental questions.

• Yes
• No

02

How did you first hear about this job opening?

• CareerForce Center
• Community Event/Organization
• Employee Referral
• Facebook
• Glassdoor
• Indeed
• Job Fair
• LinkedIn
• Metro Transit Bus Advertisement
• X (formerly known as Twitter)
• Website: governmentjobs.com
• Website: metrocouncil.org
• Website: metrotransit.org
• Website: minnesotajobnetwork.com
• Other

03

If you selected Other, please describe where you first heard about this job. If you selected Employee Referral please enter the employees first and last name, ID number (if known), and job title. Type N/A if not applicable.

04

The Metropolitan Council recognizes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools are increasingly used in application processes. While the Council permits the use of AI to assist in the preparation of application materials, all applicants must certify the following statement:

• I affirm that all information provided in my application including any uploaded documentation is true and accurate. I further affirm that I have personally reviewed, verified, and approved all content, including any content generated with the assistance of AI. I will provide all interview responses directly and in real-time without unauthorized assistance. I will not use AI avatars, external assistance in answering including computer-generated suggestions, or any recording and transcription tools during the interview process unless I have received prior approval from Human Resources for a disability-related reasonable accommodation.

05

Which of the following best describes how you meet the minimum qualifications?

• Master's degree (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or related scientific field) and some professional level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• Master's degree (Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or related scientific field) and no professional level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• Bachelors degree (in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences or related degree) and two (2) or more years of professional level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• Bachelor's degree (in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or related scientific field) and less than two (2) years of professional level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• Associates degree (in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or other related environmental, health and safety degree) and six (6) or more years of professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• Associates degree (in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or other related environmental, health and safety degree) and four (4) or more years of professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• High School diploma or GED and eight (8) or more years of experience in professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• High School diploma or GED and six (6) or more years of experience in professional-level experience in a scientific field related to the position.
• Some education/training in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, or related scientific field AND some relevant experience, but not enough to meet any of the above options
• None of the above

06

Describe a time when you were given responsibility for environmental regulatory or compliance requirement but were not given detailed direction on how to accomplish it. How did you determine what needed to be done, when to involve others, and how did you ensure the requirement was met? If this experience does not apply to you, please type "N/A." If you type, See Resume, you will not receive credit for your response.

07

Give an example of a time you had to work collaboratively with people from different teams or areas of expertise to address an environmental or regulatory issue. How did you approach the collaboration, and what was your role in reaching a solution? If this experience does not apply to you, please type "N/A." If you type, See Resume, you will not receive credit for your response.

08

Describe a time you had to interpret a complex or unclear environmental regulatory requirement (air, water, waste, or similar). What was the issue, how did you determine what applied, and how did you communicate your recommendation to others? If this experience does not apply to you, please type "N/A." If you type, See Resume, you will not receive credit for your response.

09

Give an example of a time when you identified an opportunity to improve an environmental, regulatory, or operational process and took action without being asked to do so. What prompted you to act, what did you do, and what was the result? If this experience does not apply to you, please type "N/A." If you type, See Resume, you will not receive credit for your response.

10

Describe a time when you were faced with conflicting information, competing priorities, or multiple possible approaches to an environmental or regulatory issue. How did you evaluate the situation, determine the best path forward, and what factors influenced your decision? If this experience does not apply to you, please type "N/A." If you type, See Resume, you will not receive credit for your response.

11

Please describe your experience, or efforts made, to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion competency and understanding. If this experience does not apply to you, please type "N/A." If you type, See Resume, you will not receive credit for your response.

Required Question

Employer Metropolitan Council

Address 390 Robert St. N.

St. Paul, Minnesota, 55101

Website https://metrocouncil.org