Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator - Planner Principal State

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Job Details

Working Title: Environmental Justice Outreach Coordinator

Job Class: Planner Principal State

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID: 97379
• 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: 10/06/2026
• Closing Date: 10/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Operations Division / Office of Equity & Env Justice
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - 10% of the time
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work youll 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

The position is under the Agencys Office of Equity and Environmental Justice team at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). This position will perform and coordinate community outreach and engagement tasks with Environmental Justice (EJ) communities as well as work with program staff to achieve agency Environmental Justice strategic goals. The incumbent is responsible for leading and implementing community outreach and engagement strategies on projects assigned, with a focus on bridging the gap between the MPCA priorities and the concerns of EJ communities. The role involves establishing goals, planning, and executing outreach events to build trust and foster relationships with community members and organizations, particularly in EJ areas. The incumbent will work closely with MPCA leadership and stakeholders to ensure that the voices and concerns of diverse communities are heard and integrated into MPCA initiatives related to climate action, permitting, compliance, enforcement, grant-making, etc. A key focus is on cultivating relationships and ensuring that the needs of EJ communities are known and can inform agency actions. The position also includes contributing to and supporting the agencys engagement efforts related to EJ in order to promote proactive, inclusive dialogues and meaningful involvement in MPCAs work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must clearly demonstrate all of the following qualifications:

• Two years advanced professional experience planning, implementing, and evaluating work and/or initiatives in the areas of community engagement, community organizing, issues management, public relations and/or public affairs or a similar field. (A bachelor's degree in Education, Public Policy, Human Services, Public Administration, Business Administration can substitute for 1 year of experience)

AND

• Ability or experience in leading project teams, tracking progress and managing toward the achievement of a common goal in a specified timeframe.

• Experience in project management and navigating ambiguous projects.

• Excellent communication skills, including engagement plan development and execution of crafting messaging, content strategies, and writing with the ability to clearly distill topics into concise analysis that may include complex and potentially controversial agency decisions, initiatives and programs.

• Experience in persuading, presenting, and championing recommendations and objectives.

• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals with a wide range of backgrounds, who do not share your same culture, ethnicity, language, or other common experiences.

• Valid Class D Drivers License.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions.

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. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of political process and/or experience working in a political environment.
• Strong knowledge of the assigned metro or regional communities, including key stakeholders and issue areas.
• Believes racial equity and inclusion are important and is driven to act on this belief.
• Bilingual (preferably Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Ojibwe, Dakota or other non-English languages commonly spoken in Minnesota).

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 DLR check.

Requires a Class D Drivers License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic drivers license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

• It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification where applicable

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Anjali Bajracharya at anjali.bajracharya@state.mn.us or 651-757-2774.

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 Anjali Bajracharya at anjali.bajracharya@state.mn.us.

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.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesotas 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, youll 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 studentaid.gov)

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.