Community Affairs Associate - Job ID 85127

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

As part of the Community Affairs team at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), the Community Affairs Associate will support public engagement initiatives by implementing proactive engagement strategies and serving as a project manager for engagement plans. The incumbent will focus their time between the Twin Cities and agricultural communities in southern Minnesota. The incumbent will help build meaningful connections between the agency, local communities, and concerned citizen groups. This will be done by coordinating engagement activities, facilitating public meetings, and ensuring stakeholders stay informed about MPCA initiatives that impact Minnesotans. Additionally, the role involves close collaboration with internal teams, local governments, and community members. The goal is to promote transparency, inclusivity, and public participation in the regulatory processes.

Minimum Qualifications 

Three (3) years professional experience in planning, project management, community relations, or engagement work. Includes experience working with community-based organizations and stakeholders for the purpose of outreach and community engagement. (A bachelor’s degree will substitute for one year of experience in the above areas)  AND 

Ability to lead meetings/informal discussions and present complex information in an understandable way to community members.

Understanding of how public agencies interact with communities, including local government roles in decision-making.

Awareness of diverse community perspectives, environmental justice issues, and best practices for inclusive engagement.

Strong writing and verbal skills in order to communicate with a variety of audiences.

Valid Class D Driver's License.

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

Adaptable, continuously problem-solving to keep projects on track while adjusting to evolving community needs.

Ability to develop innovative ways to foster meaningful participation, ensuring that engagement efforts are inclusive and responsive.

Advanced understanding of environmental issues and policy, as well as knowledge of existing programs operated by the MPCA, local governments and other state agencies.

Demonstrated curiosity, creative problem-solving, and leadership skills.

Belief that racial equity and inclusion are important, with a strong drive to act on this belief.

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 Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

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.