Salary
$62,483.57 - $93,725.36 Annually
Job Number
25EED119MN07
Closing Date
6/12/2025 11:59 PM Central
Description
Hennepin County's Environment and Energy department is seeking a Waste Reduction & Recycling Specialist to focus on managing waste wood produced by pests and other threats to tree canopy. This position will also provide program support for construction and demolition programs that reduce and reuse lumber and manufactured wood waste as well as supporting other zero waste initiatives. This position supports both the county’s Zero Waste and Climate Action plans.
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500 referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program.
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Location and hours:
This position is hybrid and will be performed both on-site at the 625 Building, 625 Fourth Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, and remote as job duties require. Work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., with occasional evening and weekend work for community events and meetings. While this position is designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin. New Employee Orientation (NEO) for all new benefit-earning employees is in-person in downtown Minneapolis. Details about NEO will be provided upon hire.
About this position type:
This is a full-time, benefit earning position.
This position is internally classified as an Environmentalist.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
In this position, you will:
• Research wood waste policies and initiatives, provide analysis and recommendation for consideration, and develop a plan to increase reuse, recycling, and processing of wood waste.
• Propose and draft policies that address wood waste.
• Develop and coordinate new programming and initiatives that divert wood waste.
• Establish and maintain collaborative partnerships with county staff, city staff, tree care companies, wood waste processors, sawmills and wood product businesses.
• Communicate processes, strategies, and outcomes with internal and external audiences as well as develop content for educational and promotional purposes.
• Promote existing programs that use EAB-affected wood for furniture, home goods, flooring and other purposes.
• Develop, administer, manage and evaluate request for proposals, grant solicitations, and contracts.
• Assist with building material reuse and recycling programs including but not limited to administering grants, attending drop-off events, and conducting public education.
• Provide support to other zero waste initiatives as requested.
Need to have:
• One of the following:
o Bachelor's degree or higher in physical or natural sciences, environmental health, industrial hygiene, public health, engineering, public or business administration, or a closely related field and six months or more of experience working in recycling, environmental health, sustainability, or a closely related field.
o Related education and experience working in recycling, environmental health, sustainability, or a closely related field to total four years and six months.
Nice to have:
• Two years or more of experience in:
o Leading, developing, and implementing new environmental programs, policies, and initiatives.
o Administering grants or contracts.
o Developing and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and partnership-building skills with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Skills in research, data collection, tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Ability to:
o Manage multiple active projects.
o Work independently and as a part of a team.
o Interpret federal, state and county policies, laws, rules, and regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition Division
Hennepin County Human Resources Department
612-348-7855