Salary : $74,430.00 - $104,118.00 Annually
Location : Willmar, MN
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:Department: Environmental Services
Opening Date: 10/20/2026
Closing Date: 11/3/2026 4:30 PM Central
DescriptionThe hiring range for this position is $74,430 - $83,242. The full range for this position is $74,430 - $104,118.
The Environmental Specialist is responsible for the administration and enforcement of environmental programs related to shoreline management and aquatic invasive species (AIS) within Kandiyohi County. This position involves overseeing shoreline alteration permitting and AIS prevention efforts. The role requires coordination with various local, state, and federal agencies, as well as watercraft users and the public.
Job Duties - Oversee shoreline alteration permitting according to the Kandiyohi County Shoreland Ordinance, including grading, filling, vegetative alterations, retaining walls, decks, boat houses, and other structures within shoreland areas.
- Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with shoreline management regulations and document findings. Coordinate with Kandiyohi Soil and Water Conservation District and MN DNR Conservation Officers on enforcement actions and implementing restoration orders when violations are identified.
- Provide public education and guidance regarding shoreline best management practices.
- Assist in the implementation and administration of the Kandiyohi County Zoning Ordinance.
- Help prepare for and attend planning and zoning public hearings.
- Assist with the permitting, installation, and inspection of subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) within the county.
- Develop and deliver training and educational materials for AIS prevention and proper inspection procedures.
- Supervise and support seasonal AIS watercraft inspectors and decontamination specialists.
- Use scheduling tools, such as WhenIWork, to manage AIS staff schedules based on public water access site usage and staff availability.
- Monitor, inspect, and decontaminate equipment as required, including watercraft, trailers, and docks.
- Lead watercraft inspections and decontaminations at designated lakes, including surveying and community outreach.
- Perform regular staff support checks, maintain professional communication, and enforce adherence to AIS procedures.
- Serve as AIS Coordinator to address emerging challenges and improve work conditions.
- Maintain accurate records of inspections, decontaminations, and compliance checks.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications - Associate degree or Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of relevant certifications, education, and/or experience will be considered.
- Minimum of two years of experience in environmental management or related areas.
- Supervisory experience in program management or environmental services preferred.
Supplemental Information Knowledge:
- Shoreland alteration permitting and AIS management.
- Relevant environmental laws and regulations at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Techniques for shoreline inspection, permitting, and enforcement.
- Watercraft inspection and decontamination procedures.
- Best practices in program management, training, and public outreach.
- Basic computer applications, including Excel, Microsoft Office, GIS, and scheduling software.
Skills:
- Performing field inspections and evaluations of shoreland areas and watercraft.
- Conducting staff training and public information sessions.
- Preparing and maintaining accurate reports and records.
- Using computer software for data management and scheduling.
- Communicating effectively with stakeholders, including the public, agency personnel, and watercraft users.
Certifications:
- Ability to obtain relevant environmental management certifications as required.
- Ability to obtain Minnesota Pollution Control Agency SSTS Certification.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to walk, stand, bend, and kneel for extended periods during field inspections.
- Capable of working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Must be able to perform the essential physical duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Additional Information:
- Must possess a valid Minnesota Driver's License and maintain a clean driving record.
- Must pass a background check.
- Must be a U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.
Kandiyohi County offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health, dental, vision, PERA retirement, 457(b) deferred compensation plan, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick/ESST leave.
Part-time employees who work an average of 20 hours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis.
01
Do you have an Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Biology, Farm Management, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related field?
- Yes - Bachelor's degree or higher
- Yes - Associate degree
- No degree, but have equivalent related experience or certifications
- No
02
How many years of experience do you have in environmental or natural resource management, including hands-on work with environmental permitting, zoning ordinances, or compliance inspections?
- 5+ years
- 3 - 5 years
- 1 - 3 years
- Less than 1 year
- No experience
03
How familiar are you with Minnesota shoreland regulations, shoreland alteration permitting, local zoning ordinances, and related environmental compliance requirements?
- Very familiar - I regularly work with these regulations
- Moderately familiar - I have some professional experience with these regulations
- Somewhat familiar - I have a general understanding
- Not familiar
04
How much experience do you have conducting field inspections, documenting violations, or assisting with environmental compliance and enforcement?
- 5+ years
- 3 - 5 years
- 1 - 3 years
- Less than 1 year
- No experience
05
Do you have experience with aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention, watercraft inspections, or decontamination procedures?
- 5+ years
- 3 - 5 years
- 1 - 3 years
- Less than 1 year
- No experience
06
How much experience do you have supervising, training, or coordinating seasonal employees or program staff?
- 5+ years
- 3 - 5 years
- 1 - 3 years
- Less than 1 year
- No experience
07
Do you have experience conducting public meetings or providing outreach/training related to environmental issues?
08
What is your proficiency level with computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, GIS, Environmental permitting or scheduling software?
- Basic: Able to perform simple tasks (e.g., open files, basic data entry)
- Intermediate: Comfortable with common features (e.g., formatting, formulas, basic GIS mapping)
- Able to use advanced features (e.g., pivot tables, complex formulas, spatial analysis, custom reports)
09
Do you have a valid Driver's License?
10
Are you able to perform the essential field duties of this position, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation?
11
If you answered "Yes" to being a Veteran, please indicate whether you would like to claim Veteran's Preference Points:
- Yes - I am a qualified veteran who served during a qualifying wartime period.
- Yes - I am a disabled veteran with a 10% or higher disability rating.
- Yes - I am the spouse of a deceased veteran or the spouse of a disabled veteran who is unable to work due to their disability.
- No - I do not wish to claim Veteran's Preference Points.
12
If you selected "Yes" to the question above, please upload a copy of your DD214 as an attachment to this application. By initialing below, you confirm that you have uploaded this document.
Required Question
