Policy Planning Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Working Title: Model Ordinance Coordinator - Planner Senior State
Job Class: Planner Senior Date
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID: 96129
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 09/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: RMAD Env Educat&Outreach Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 10% 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
  End Date: 06/30/2029
• 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 and is anticipated to end in June 2029.
This position exists to support the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program by implementing a Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) grant funded project to develop model land use ordinances that improve local government’s capacity for environmental, economic, and social resilience. Additionally, this position will conduct technical and policy research, work with and promote statewide environmental assistance programs, coordinate and facilitate training and events, and maintain communications with governments and related affected parties to increase voluntary environmental actions and outcomes throughout Minnesota.
Minimum Qualifications:

Three (3) years professional experience in environmental project management sufficient to track and manage multiple projects and lead and direct teams across multiple deadlines
OR
Bachelor's degree and two years professional experience in environmental project management sufficient to track and manage multiple projects and lead and direct teams across multiple deadlines
AND
Advanced writing skills sufficient to communicate (often technically complex) rules and information in a clear and concise manner.
Accomplished in using Microsoft Office suite, particularly Word, and PowerPoint, and the ability to format long documents.
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 the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program.
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification.
Experience working with local units of government, elected officials, and/or policy making. 
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to establish effective relationships with agency staff, interest groups and the general public.
Training or experience in conducting public comment and public hearing processes. 
Analytical skills sufficient to be applied to a wide variety of assignments including policy planning and environmental regulation. 
General knowledge of environmental sciences.
Formal training in planning, political science, systems thinking or process improvement.
Training or experience in creating accessible documents and meetings.
Adobe proficiency.

Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.
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

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.

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.

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

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.

• 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

• 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)

• 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.