11.4 SR 10-07-2024The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional service, and community
engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
Request for Action
To
City Council
Item Number
11.4
Meeting Date
October 7, 2024
Prepared By
Cal Portner, City Administrator
Item Description
Environmental Services
Reviewed by
Cal Portner
Lauren Wipper
Justin Femrite
Tina Allard
Action Requested
Receive information, discuss, and provide staff direction.
Background/Discussion
With the retirement of the Environmental Services and Special Projects Director, we have an opportunity to
re-evaluate city services and staffing.
Through new hires and the ongoing development of city staff, vacancies provide opportunities to redistribute
workloads, further challenge existing staff, and sometimes reduce costs.
In this discussion, staff would like the Council to consider a service level change through the development of a
new position to replace the Environmental Services and Special Projects Director position.
Financial Impact
The current Environmental Services and Special Projects Director position is funded by both the General
Fund and the Garbage Fund.
Mission/Policy/Goal
Elk River Mission
Attachments
1. PW Environmental and Project Specalist
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City of Elk River
Public Works Environmental and Project
Specialist Environmental Coordinator
Services and Special Projects Director
Position Description
Department/Division:
Community
Development/EnvironmentalAdministrationPublic
Works
Immediate Supervisor:
Community Development DirectorCity
Administrator Public Works Director
Pay Grade:
377E
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Last Updated: (date)
1/20174/202210/2024
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Environmental CoordinatorPublic Works Environmental and Project Specialist provides assistance
and reports to the director on a variety of environmental, water and project--related issues. The
primary responsibility is to maintain and improve the quality of the environment as it relates to the
health, safety, and welfare of Elk River residents. This position performs work to ensure compliance
with federal, state and local regulations, oversight of code violations, and works to meet city
sustainability goals.
Essential Functions
1. Coordinates the city’s Energy City and Sustainability efforts.
A. Manages the Energy City Commission quarterly meetings and minutes.
B. Participates in advancing the GreenStep Cities program.
C. Coordinates and presents at Energy City tours at Energy City demonstration sites.
D. Coordinates community sustainability partnerships as approved.
1. Performs construction inspection activities on improvement projects involving public
infrastructure.
A. Ensures that construction is in accordance with plans and specifications.
B. Compiles and formulates necessary work progress reports.
C. Communicates effectively with affected residents.
D. Communicates city engineer’s directions to contractors.
E. Keeps records for payment and record drawings.
2. Assists with Cities Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Permit.
A. Partners with Engineering Project Manager on all reporting and data collection.
B. Conducts field inspection to assure compliance of projects with MS4 requirements.
2.3.Coordinates recycling and solid waste programs.
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Environmental Coordinator
A. Manages the city’s recycling program and organizes solid waste collection including annual
hauler licenses, refuse franchise negotiations, and disposal contracts.
B. Assists in the development of landfill abatement programs.
C.B.Maintains timely and accurate records of all program activities.
D.C.Responds to general inquiries and complaints regarding recycling and solid waste.
E. Develops and disseminates public information, education materials and programs for
landfill abatement including recycling education programs in schools and for the public.
3.4.Responsible to oversee activity associated with environmental ordinances including Shoreland,
Floodplain, Wild and Scenic River, Wetlands, Mineral Excavation and others as directed.
A. Assists in the preparation of ordinances to regulate environmental issues.
B. Provides technical assistance for city programs including drafting plans for tree and grass
plantings, lakeshore buffers, nutrient management planning, and erosion control.
C. Works cooperatively with state, federal and local agencies, boards and organizations to
promote environmental programs and accomplish division goals and objectives
D. Assists with environmental permits such as gravel mining licenses, Elk River Landfill.,
GRE’s RDF plant power station.
4. Performs public outreach activities.
Prepares, participates in, and assists with educational programs, presentations, promotions,
demonstrations, press releases, newsletter articles, social media, and the city website.
5. Performs other general environmental and safety activities.
A. Assists in the initial investigation and enforcement of environmental violations such as
illegal dumping, spills, etc.
B. Serves as liaison to regulatory bodies and citizens on environmental issues as directed.
C.Participates in the Water Quality Committee activities of the Lake Orono Improvement
Association, and cCoordinates water quality testing for lake Orono.
D. Prepares or assists with preparation of various reports and plans within required deadlines..
6. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in technical and safety training as required.
D. Grant and partnership applications.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of local, state, and national environmental laws.
Ability to understand planning theory and practice. Ability to interpret plans and specifications.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate city policies and procedures to other public
agencies and the general public both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff and the public.
Ability to prepare and manage multiple work programs in an efficient and productive manner.
Ability to effectively review and analyze various applications and permits.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and assume responsibilities with minimal direct
supervision.
Ability to effectively interpret zoning ordinance requirements.
Ability to navigate project areas and natural terrain to complete essential duties.
Ability to efficiently process proposals and to ensure the completeness and accuracy of
recommendations made to the developers, the Planning Commission, and the City Council.
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Environmental Coordinator
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in an environmental or planning discipline.
Two Five years governmental or professional experience in an environmental or public works field.
Presentation and public speaking experience to varied audiences.
Certified Wetland Delineator and Solid Waste Landfill Type II Certification, or the ability to obtain
both within one year of hire.
Valid Minnesota driver’s license and good driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with electrical utilities, power plants, or other energy-related work.
Experience working on climate change and/or resiliency projects.
Experience working with anthe MS4 permit, the Wetland Conservation Act and/or Floodplain
Management.
Additional experience and relevant certifications.
This Position Description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is within the City of Elk River’s discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities or remove duties and responsibilities at any time.
This Position Description does not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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