Interagency Permitting Liaison

The Interagency Permitting Liaison is responsible for coordinating the process of development, implementation, and administration of state permits required by complex business projects operating or intending to operate in Minnesota. In this capacity, this position specifically coordinates efforts of the Minnesota Business First Stop (MBFS) to provide permitting navigation and to support consistent, transparent statewide permitting policy application for businesses operating or intending to operate in Minnesota.

Consequently, this position ensures coordination and understanding between federal, state, and local governmental units regarding permitting policies, procedures, and practices relating to air, water, and land resources to ensure permitting processes are resolved efficiently while impacted parties and stakeholders are kept engaged and informed.

The incumbent strives to effectively channel business permitting needs through the appropriate entities while identifying systemic policy or process issues that may warrant clarification or improvement.

This position works closely with Minnesota businesses, permitting staff at various state agencies and DEED business units leading interagency coordination across MBFS members. The position may also work with Responsible Governmental Units (RGUs), the Environmental Quality Board (EQB), and other local, regional and federal permitting agencies to ensure permitting-related inquiries associated to businesses operating or intending to operate in Minnesota are addressed effectively and permitting navigation is provided when projects reach the permitting stage.

The Interagency Permitting Liaison:

• Coordinates the efforts of the MBFS multiagency collaboration to ensure alignment with pertinent federal, regional and local permitting authorities (cities and counties), economic development partners, utilities and other stakeholders involved in Minnesota’s permitting process. Assist businesses and their related parties– e.g., site selection, engineering and environmental consultants – in obtaining necessary permits, reviews, and other approvals required to operate in the state.
• Assesses, documents, tracks and reports data and analysis for all projects assisted by the MBFS as well as changes to state and federal laws, regulations, rules, procedures and policies regarding permitting for businesses operating or intending to operate in Minnesota. Leverages data insights to formulate actionable recommendations that enhance policies, optimize procedures, and streamline business permitting processes.
• Serves as DEED’s technical representative on the EQB, provides assistance with updated plans for the MBFS, responds to requests, and provides periodic reports and research as deemed appropriate by management.
• Performs other duties as assigned

This position requires occasional statewide travel.

This position is telework eligible. Staff are provided with the tools and equipment to be successful in a virtual work environment. Please note, the telework policy could change with notice based on business needs.

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions.

Please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Three (3) years of experience in environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, or interagency coordination.

* Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, public policy, engineering, or other closely related field as determined by the agency may substitute for one (1) year of experience; master’s degree substitutes for eighteen (18) months of experience.

• Experience interpreting and applying complex federal, state, and local environmental statutes, rules, and administrative codes, with an understanding of Minnesota’s permitting processes, land use law, and environmental regulations.
• Experience managing complex projects…