Environmental Manager Jobs in Minnesota
Environmental Manager jobs in Minnesota concentrate in the Twin Cities metro, Duluth, and Rochester, where employers like 3M, Xcel Energy, and Cargill maintain long-standing environmental teams managing compliance, remediation, and sustainability programs. Demand is strongest in industrial compliance, water quality management, and contaminated-site remediation, reflecting Minnesota's dense manufacturing base and its extensive network of lakes, rivers, and protected lands. Openings exist at every level, from early-career environmental specialists stepping into management to senior directors overseeing enterprise-wide programs. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Environmental/ Ecological Project Manager & Office Lead to guide and manage our local environmental operations and our regional environmental/ ecological needs.
The primary focus of this position’s duties and responsibilities is on the technical aspects of diverse environmental and ecological projects. This individual provides principal project support activities, including work plan and proposal preparation, project resource management and scheduling, deadline tracking, budget evaluation and analysis, and technical editing and report finalization. This position also requires a local to regional field presence, while also including national presence on a large Ecological Team. The position requires daily management of project/site assigned staff. Under limited supervision, the Principal Environmental/ Ecological Project Manager & Office Lead plans, executes, supervises, and documents field aspects of highly complex ecological projects (permitting, ecological restoration, delineations, determinations, NEPA, etc.), support environmental remediation, and support construction observation, to include all aspects of post remediation ecological restoration, mitigation banking, nutrient banking, permitting, permitting support, reporting, etc. The individual in this position must be a multi-tasked, detail-oriented team player, and possess excellent skills in verbal and written communications, time management, organizational management, problem solving, decision making, and leadership. Applicants in the greater Minneapolis, Minnesota area are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to strategic planning and growth of ecological services
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the local office
- Oversee regional ecological assessments, surveys, and environmental impact studies
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to staff
- Ensure high-quality project delivery, on time and within budget
- Develop and maintain client relationships and support business development
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, policies, and best practices
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on infrastructure and land-use projects
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Ecology, Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geology or related discipline
- 15+ years of professional ecological (required) Extensive knowledge in 401/404 permitting, WOTUS Delineations, CWA, NEPA, ESA/T&E species, FERC, etc.) or other similarly aligned ecological disciplines- Stream Restoration, wetland restoration or other restoration discipline a plus
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing projects
- Strong knowledge of ecological laws, legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Experience with field surveys, habitat assessments, and reporting
- Interacts with other project support services (technical services, professional, engineering, administrative) and subcontractors to ensure all resources are in place for proper fieldwork execution
- Mastery knowledge of applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to all field activities and relevant regulatory programs and the willingness to learn and master other state regulatory programs as necessary
- Acts as the primary author for site work plans, proposals, and reports for highly complex scopes of work, including permits, NEPA/FERC documents, delineation reports, ecological restoration plans, compensatory migration plans and strategies, etc.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Adheres to client contract specifications in all field-related activities and informs project group of those specifications
- Manages procurement of subcontractors and vendors for completion of project tasks, including subcontractor/vendor bid package development
- Must complete annual refresher OSHA HAZWOPER training and be able to wear required PPE
- Must maintain a valid drivers’ license and acceptable driving record
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Strategic thinking with a solutions-focused approach
- High attention to detail and scientific rigor
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship
Our comprehensive benefits include: Hybrid workforce, medical, dental, vision, prescription card, 401k, FSA, LTD, STD, New Parent Leave, 529 CollegeBound Fund, Tuition Assistance, Bonus Plan, and more.
Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. (GES) believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. At GES, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Environmental/ Ecological Project Manager & Office Lead to guide and manage our local environmental operations and our regional environmental/ ecological needs.
The primary focus of this position’s duties and responsibilities is on the technical aspects of diverse environmental and ecological projects. This individual provides principal project support activities, including work plan and proposal preparation, project resource management and scheduling, deadline tracking, budget evaluation and analysis, and technical editing and report finalization. This position also requires a local to regional field presence, while also including national presence on a large Ecological Team. The position requires daily management of project/site assigned staff. Under limited supervision, the Principal Environmental/ Ecological Project Manager & Office Lead plans, executes, supervises, and documents field aspects of highly complex ecological projects (permitting, ecological restoration, delineations, determinations, NEPA, etc.), support environmental remediation, and support construction observation, to include all aspects of post remediation ecological restoration, mitigation banking, nutrient banking, permitting, permitting support, reporting, etc. The individual in this position must be a multi-tasked, detail-oriented team player, and possess excellent skills in verbal and written communications, time management, organizational management, problem solving, decision making, and leadership. Applicants in the greater Minneapolis, Minnesota area are encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to strategic planning and growth of ecological services
- Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the local office
- Oversee regional ecological assessments, surveys, and environmental impact studies
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to staff
- Ensure high-quality project delivery, on time and within budget
- Develop and maintain client relationships and support business development
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, policies, and best practices
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on infrastructure and land-use projects
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree in Ecology, Biology, Agricultural Sciences, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Geology or related discipline
- 15+ years of professional ecological (required) Extensive knowledge in 401/404 permitting, WOTUS Delineations, CWA, NEPA, ESA/T&E species, FERC, etc.) or other similarly aligned ecological disciplines- Stream Restoration, wetland restoration or other restoration discipline a plus
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and managing projects
- Strong knowledge of ecological laws, legislation and regulatory frameworks
- Experience with field surveys, habitat assessments, and reporting
- Interacts with other project support services (technical services, professional, engineering, administrative) and subcontractors to ensure all resources are in place for proper fieldwork execution
- Mastery knowledge of applicable standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to all field activities and relevant regulatory programs and the willingness to learn and master other state regulatory programs as necessary
- Acts as the primary author for site work plans, proposals, and reports for highly complex scopes of work, including permits, NEPA/FERC documents, delineation reports, ecological restoration plans, compensatory migration plans and strategies, etc.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Adheres to client contract specifications in all field-related activities and informs project group of those specifications
- Manages procurement of subcontractors and vendors for completion of project tasks, including subcontractor/vendor bid package development
- Must complete annual refresher OSHA HAZWOPER training and be able to wear required PPE
- Must maintain a valid drivers’ license and acceptable driving record
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Strategic thinking with a solutions-focused approach
- High attention to detail and scientific rigor
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
- Commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship
Our comprehensive benefits include: Hybrid workforce, medical, dental, vision, prescription card, 401k, FSA, LTD, STD, New Parent Leave, 529 CollegeBound Fund, Tuition Assistance, Bonus Plan, and more.
Groundwater & Environmental Services, Inc. (GES) believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. At GES, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law.
See All 23 Environmental Manager Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Manager JobsEnvironmental Manager Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Manager Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental manager jobs across Minnesota.
- Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or a closely related field required
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency compliance knowledge strongly preferred by most employers
- Five or more years of environmental management or regulatory compliance experience expected
- Professional certification such as CHMM or CEP valued across industrial and consulting sectors
- Demonstrated experience with MPCA and EPA reporting, permitting, and remediation processes
- Strong written communication skills for preparing environmental impact assessments and agency correspondence
Environmental Manager Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental manager in Minnesota?
The standard path begins with a bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, geology, or a related field, followed by several years of hands-on compliance or remediation work. Minnesota does not require a state-issued license specifically for environmental managers, but most employers expect demonstrated experience working within Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regulations. Professional certifications such as the Certified Hazardous Materials Manager credential strengthen candidacy considerably and are widely recognized by Minnesota industrial and consulting employers.
How much do environmental managers make in Minnesota?
Environmental managers in Minnesota earn a median of about $152,600 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,120 for the lowest 10% to over $225,250 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental managers in Minnesota?
Minnesota environmental manager roles are posted by Presbyterian Homes & Services, Cleveland-Cliffs, and Burns & McDonnell and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Minnesota's mix of large manufacturers, energy utilities, and environmental consulting firms creates consistent demand across both the private sector and government contracting.
Which Minnesota cities have the most environmental manager jobs?
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minneapolis, and Eagan account for the largest concentration of environmental manager openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities metro drives the bulk of listings because corporate headquarters, state agency offices, and major industrial facilities cluster there, while Duluth and Rochester anchor demand through port operations, mining-adjacent compliance work, and healthcare campus environmental programs.
Are there remote environmental manager jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. Environmental management is largely a site-dependent role requiring physical presence for inspections, permit reviews, and agency coordination, so fully remote positions are uncommon. About 30% of environmental manager openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be reporting-heavy or policy-focused roles with limited fieldwork requirements.
How can I get hired as a environmental manager in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an environmental specialist or environmental analyst role, which large Minnesota employers such as Xcel Energy, Cargill, and environmental consulting firms regularly fill with recent graduates. Internship programs through the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and county public works departments provide direct regulatory exposure that hiring managers value. Earning an EIT designation or pursuing CHMM coursework while in an entry role signals commitment and accelerates promotion into a management track.
Where can I find and apply to environmental manager jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to environmental manager jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current Minnesota openings updated regularly. Search the listings, identify roles that match your experience and specialization, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 23 Environmental Manager Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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