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Environmental Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Environmental Engineer/Specialist - Air Compliance, Monitoring & Reporting is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining air quality compliance programs for an integrated taconite ...

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Environmental Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$37.7K

$89.3K

$130.3K

How much do environmental engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental engineer in Minnesota is $89,314.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $106,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental engineer?

Environmental engineers are professionals who use principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They work to improve recycling, waste disposal, public health, and control of water and air pollution. Environmental engineers often design systems for water and air purification, manage hazardous waste, and ensure organizations comply with environmental regulations. Their work helps protect the environment and human health by minimizing the impact of human activities.

What do environmental engineers do?

Environmental engineers research and develop systems and solutions to environmental problems. They have backgrounds in soil science, chemistry, biology, and engineering, which they apply to the production of architectural systems that address air pollution, water conservation, recycling, sustainability, and public health.

What are some common challenges environmental engineers face when working on large-scale remediation projects?

Environmental Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, navigating complex regulatory requirements, and managing unexpected site conditions during large-scale remediation projects. Effective communication with project managers, government agencies, and local communities is essential to ensure compliance and address concerns promptly. Additionally, adapting technical solutions to evolving site data and balancing project timelines with environmental protection goals are frequent aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental science, engineering principles, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental, civil, or chemical engineering. Familiarity with modeling software (such as AutoCAD and GIS), environmental impact assessment tools, and professional certifications like the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) or Professional Engineer (PE) license is valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure engineers can design solutions that protect public health and the environment while meeting regulatory and project requirements.

What is the difference between Environmental Engineer vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental EngineerEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in environmental engineering or related field; often licensed as Professional Engineer (PE)Bachelor's or master's in environmental science or related field; no licensing required
Work EnvironmentDesigning solutions, working on projects, often in field and lab settingsResearch and data analysis, primarily in labs or offices
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, manufacturing industriesResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting

Environmental Engineers focus on designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems, often working on projects that require engineering design and compliance. Environmental Scientists primarily conduct research, analyze data, and assess environmental conditions. While both roles require a background in environmental studies, Engineers typically need engineering credentials and licensing, whereas Scientists focus on research and data analysis. Both roles are vital in environmental protection but serve different functions within the industry.

Is there a high demand for environmental engineers?

Environmental engineers are in high demand due to increasing environmental regulations and the need for sustainable solutions. Job growth is expected to be faster than average, with opportunities in consulting, government agencies, and private industry, often requiring knowledge of environmental laws and engineering tools.

What kinds of jobs do environmental engineers do?

Environmental engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control, waste management, water and air quality improvement, and site remediation. They often work in consulting firms, government agencies, or industries, using tools like GIS and modeling software, and may require certifications like the Professional Engineer (PE) license.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Environmental Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Environmental Engineer jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Environmental Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,314 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Environmental Engineer* (Cottage Grove, MN)

3M

Cottage Grove, MN • On-site, Remote

$98K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


3M rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 249 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

On-site

US, Minnesota, Cottage Grove

Remote-United States

Full time

R01153595

Job Description:

Job Title

Environmental Engineer* (Cottage Grove, MN)

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You'll Make in this Role

As an Environmental Engineer you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

  • Developing and implementing environmental programs/practices aimed to mitigate hazards and ensure compliance within the site.
  • Interpreting, implementing, coordinating, and maintaining the regulatory compliance rhythm to assure completion of reporting and recording for applicable Federal, State and Local Environmental Permits, regulations, and programs.
  • Analyzing environmental data, self-assessments, reports, trends and communicating findings and recommendations for correction of gaps to operational leadership.
  • Developing a broad knowledge and understanding of external environmental activities and technologies and how they relate to the businesses of the division/staff organization.
  • Evaluating complex regulatory challenges across environmental medias related to dynamic manufacturing operations.
  • Establishing and cultivating a network of intra-divisional support to
  • facilitate completion of environmental assignments.
  • Communicating environmental projects and/or program status and results to operational leadership

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M is looking for candidates who must have the following qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in a science or engineering discipline (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Two (2) years of combined experience with environmental compliance and/or environmental reporting in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

  • Three (3) years of environmental compliance experience in a specialty chemical, petrochemical, or similar facility.
  • Experience in environmental program administration e.g., Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), Title V, TSCA, incident investigation, and/or risk management
  • Experience with NPDES/SDS permitting and compliance obligations
  • Master's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology,
  • Environmental Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited
  • institution
  • Experience interacting with Federal, State and Local regulatory agencies.

Location: Cottage Grove, MN

Travel: May include up to [10%][domestic/international]

Relocation Assistance: May be authorized

Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Responsibilities of this position may include direct and/or indirect physical or logical access to information, systems, technologies subjected to the regulations/compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws.

U.S. Export Control laws and U.S. Government Department of Defense contracts and sub-contracts impose certain restrictions on companies and their ability to share export-controlled and other technology and services with certain "non-U.S. persons" (persons who are not U.S. citizens or nationals, lawful permanent residents of the U.S., refugees, "Temporary Residents" (granted Amnesty or Special Agricultural Worker provisions), or persons granted asylum.

To comply with these laws, 3M must help assess candidates' U.S. person status.

The questions asked in this application are intended to assess this and will be used for evaluation purposes only. Failure to provide the necessary information in this regard will result in our inability to consider you further for this particular position.

Supporting Your Well-being

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

Chat with Max

For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting.

Applicable to US Applicants Only: The expected compensation range for this position is $98,413 - $120,282, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.

Good Faith Posting Date Range 07/22/2025 To 08/21/2025 Or until filled

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.

Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.

Please access the linked document by clicking here (http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1274940O/3m-jobs-country-data-privacy-statements-external.pdf) , select the country where you are applying for employment, and review. Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

At 3M we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily as our employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to global challenges at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.


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