Associate Planner Jobs in Champlin, MN (NOW HIRING)

Working Title: Community Affairs Associate
Job Class: Planner Senior State
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID: 96778
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/04/2026
• Closing Date: 09/14/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Operations Division / Community Affairs Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 20% of the time
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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

This position is temporary unclassified. Anticipated duration: up to 18 months

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 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 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 serve as a project manager for engagement initiatives across the State of Minnesota, working in close collaboration with multiple people across the agency to keep timelines and deliverables on track. 

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

• Awareness of diverse community perspectives and ability to adapt approach based on audience needs, from urban settings and suburbs to smaller communities and agriculture stakeholders.

• Ability to make inroads with community groups to foster inclusive and responsive 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 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:

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

• Experience managing multiple projects, coordinating with internal teams, managing timelines, and completing deliverables.
• Experience collecting, documenting, analyzing, and summarizing stakeholder feedback for project teams or decisions makers.

• Experience working with external stakeholders (community organizations, nonprofit organizations, and/or the general public).

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. 

• 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

Click the "Apply" button now!

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 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 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.