Job Description
Working Title: Climate Smart Food Systems Grant Program Lead - Planner Principal State Job Class: Planner Principal State Agency: Pollution Control Agency - Job ID : 90104
- Location : Various
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Limited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 11/12/2025
- Closing Date : 12/02/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
- Division/Unit : RMAD SustainMaterial MgmtUnit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
- Classified Status : Unclassified
- End Date : 12/31/2028
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No
*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 is a temporary unclassified position anticipated to last up to 3 years.
This position exists to provide policy expertise and inter- and intra-agency coordination on prevention of waste food and organic management grants and loans for the Minnesota Climate Smart Food System Initiative (CSFS). The Minnesota CSFS Initiative is a suite of programs focused on a holistic approach to reduce climate pollution and build equity in Minnesota's food systems. The CSFS Initiative is funded by a 5-year grant through the Environmental Protection Agency's Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program. This position provides policy leadership related to the development, implementation, and overall coordination of the prevention of wasted food and organics management work. This position works closely with the Climate Smart Food Systems Initiative Coordinator, program staff, and grants specialists to implement the assigned area of the program.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Two years advanced professional experience planning, implementing, and evaluating work and/or initiatives in the areas of food and organic waste prevention, reuse, recycling or diversion including related work in grant administration. (A bachelor's degree in physical sciences, environmental sciences, geography, sustainability, public health, public policy, or related field can substitute for 1 year of experience)
AND Ability or experience in leading project teams, tracking progress and managing toward the achievement of a common goal in a specified timeframe.
Experience in project management and developing and implementing plans, projects, and deliverables effectively.
Excellent communications kills, including the ability to effectively communicate in written and oral communication with various audiences.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT 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 required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications Professional experience planning and implementing grant programs and leading public input processes.
Knowledge of climate change pollution reduction policies and strategies, with a particular focus on food waste/organics management.
Experience working with grants, either grant-making, managing grant-funded work, or both.
Knowledge of organics prevention, rescue/reuse, composting, anaerobic digestion or similar management methods.
Ability to work with groups of people with different perspectives and interests on shared projects and programs.
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 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 for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Stephanie Grant at
[email protected] .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Stephanie Grant at
[email protected] .
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.
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
[email protected] and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift,