Planning Specialist

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy (R&E) is seeking a full-time Planning Specialist to conduct project management, grant administration, data analysis, and reporting functions. This position coordinates and supports efforts within R&E, primarily in the Planning and Project Management and Strategic Partnerships functional areas.  

R&E is a joint powers entity formed by Ramsey and Washington Counties. R&E coordinates recycling and solid waste management programs between the two counties and owns and operates the R&E Center in Newport, Minnesota. R&E’s vision is vibrant, healthy communities without waste. R&E accomplishes its mission through partnerships and innovation.  

As a Planning Specialist, you will execute project management functions, such as developing and implementing project plans, using project management tools, and conduct meetings to identify needs and recommend actions, and conduct grant administration and reporting functions. You will also perform research, evaluation and analysis functions to support the implementation of R&E’s Strategic Plan. You will support R&E staff during the Minnesota legislative session and maintain well-organized and accurate documentation.  

A hybrid work schedule will be considered for this position. 

An ideal candidate will have: 

• Knowledge of and skills in project management, use of project management tools, gathering information and writing grant applications and reports.
• Knowledge of government organization at the federal, state and local levels.
• Knowledge of human behavior, group dynamics, and group process.
• Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written directions.
• Ability to function in fluid, ambiguous situations.
• Ability to work within cross-jurisdictional and/or interdepartmental teams to manage and complete complicated work projects.
• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervisor’s instructions.
• Skill in written and oral communication.
• Ability to understand, and present research, evaluation and statistical information.
• Ability to quickly comprehend and assimilate large quantities of new materials, set priorities and develop and present pertinent information in clear and concise terms.
• Ability to handle problems of a special or confidential nature.

Additional desired qualifications: 

• A current project management certification, e.g., Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar, and/or interest in developing professional project management skills
• Experience in analyzing research, data and data trends and making recommendations informed by those analyses
• Experience with grant administration and reporting for awarded grants
• Experience with completing evaluations of existing, implemented programs
• Proficiency with leading and/or supporting group facilitation, trainings and/or stakeholder engagement for planning, projects, policy work or change management.