Job Description
Working Title: Continuous Improvement Specialist Job Class: Management Analyst 4 Agency: Pollution Control Agency - Job ID : 84214
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 02/19/2025
- Closing Date : 03/04/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
- Division/Unit : Operations Division / Organizational Improvement Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range: $32.99 - $48.93 / hourly; $68,883 - $102,165 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
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 As a continuous improvement specialist at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) you will work with leadership and agency program staff. This includes leadership on key Agency projects such as process documentation function (including the people, process, and information) so that process improvement opportunities are readily identified, technology or automation projects are based on complete and thorough documented business processes, and continuity of operations program is resilient and enabled to support response activities. Incumbent will lead and maintain organizing efforts across the organization, sufficient to meet the process documentation needs of the organization. Process documentation involves completion of business process maps and workflows, identification of improvement opportunities by leveraging appropriate data to identify quality and efficiency gaps, identification of policy/procedure impacts and documentation/validation of business requirements. The incumbent will also perform a lead role in integrating a continuous organizational improvement and development direction for the Agency and programs by evaluating program processes, designing, or improving processes. The position provides coaching to staff and leadership on improving program processes to meet the Agency strategic vision and goal of achieving excellence in operations through the application of appropriate tools and best practices. The position improves business operations by gaining efficiencies, improving process quality and internal and external responsiveness, and using data to measure processes and improvements. As a result, the organization continuously evaluates and improves, resources are effectively used, and data informs decisions and ensures sustained program success. The position will be involved in a wide variety of activities in support of program and agency-wide efforts.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Candidates must clearly demonstrate the following qualifications and include the following:
Three (3) years of advanced professional-level experience in providing facilitation of efficient and effective continuous improvement, organizational development, and process improvement learning services to meet customer and Agency (business) needs.
Continuous improvement experience must include defining needs, determining and analyzing viable alternatives, selecting and implementing the most appropriate tools, methodologies and solutions, following-up to determine effectiveness of solutions and making modifications if necessary.
Experience providing training to employees at different levels of an organization, including those in leadership roles.
Strong communication skills to effectively lead/facilitate process improvement efforts, coach and influence across all levels, present to groups, and transmit written information to a variety of audiences.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 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.
Preferred Qualifications Direct experience leading and facilitating project areas of continuous improvement, organization development, strategy or other improvement theory.
Past experience with coaching and providing leadership guidance to employees at all levels of an organization. Ability to work with and through others to develop strategy and positive influence decision-makers, including agency management teams.
Project management experience or formal coursework hours and/or certification in project management recognized through the Project Management Institute (i.e. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification)
Certification as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB), Rummler-Brache Process Improvement, or/and Process Mini-Lean Enterprise, Lean Practitioner or Lean Leader training through a recognized university or professional organization.
Understanding of the Baldrige performance excellence framework including 101/201 training.
Certification in ToPS facilitation methods. Other facilitation training certification such as PACT-certified desirable.
Expertise in the use of computer programs (e.g. Visio, Microsoft Office, Tableau).
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 careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us
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 Patty Atchison at patty.atchison@state.mn.us .
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Work visa, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,