Cost Reduction Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Working Title: State Prog Admin Prin - Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Advisory Board Administrator
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID: 95676
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/24/2026
• Closing Date: 08/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP UNIT
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• 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

*This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato.

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 a key part of the Agency’s Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) team leading the implementation of the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. The primary responsibility of this role is to facilitate and coordinate the Packaging EPR Advisory Board in person at the MPCA St. Paul Office. This position would need to attend these meetings in the St. Paul office for approximately twelve meetings a year and subcommittees as needed. This Advisory Board reviews activities conducted by the Agency and producer responsibility organization (PRO) in order to advise on program administration and implementation.

The position will schedule and plan Advisory Board meetings and committees throughout the year, serve as a liaison between the Advisory Board and the Agency or other impacted parties like the PRO, ensuring inclusive feedback and dialogue. Additionally, the role will be involved with developing and implementing the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act in support of the Packaging EPR coordinator. 
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Two years advanced professional experience working with an environmental, climate, or sustainability focused program (regulatory or assistance). Advanced professional experience includes a demonstrated progressive level of responsibility and leadership experience. (Advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Planner Senior State, Environmental Specialist 3, State Program Administrator Senior, or equivalent level work).
• Experience developing and administering programs from initiation through conclusion.
• Experience leading a variety of teams and projects to successful outcomes.
• Experience in communicating information with broad audiences.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OTP 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 require employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of:

• Local, state, and federal environmental laws, regulations, and policies, specifically, Minnesota’s Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act.
• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship policies and programs, within Minnesota and at a national and international level and/or materials management related to packaging and paper products including strategies like waste/source reduction, reuse, recycling and organics management. 

Experience in:

• Building strong relationships with private and public sector partners and encouraging collaboration on project(s) or program(s).
• Project and program management, including identifying and reporting information that is critical to program issues and decision-making.
• Interpreting, implementing, and/or developing policy and regulations.
• Communicating complex information to government entities, industry, and the public through direct outreach, campaigns, presentations, and/or written materials.
• Working and communicating with senior level management within organizations.

Ability to:

• Work on and contribute to a high performing team. 
• Exhibit and use strong organization skills.
• Work under pressure and maintain composure.

Physical Requirements
May involve occasionally lifting and/or carrying small equipment or other items. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of movement 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.
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 Now” button.. 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.

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. 

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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.