Senior Public Health Specialist - Wasted Food Prevention Coordinator

Lead program management of Minneapolis' Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CFWR) grant and assist in coordination of the Homegrown Minneapolis initiative, the City's food systems work. This is a grant-funded position with secure funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture through 2/28/27. If additional funding can be secured, there is a possibility this position may be extended, but that is not guaranteed.

Work Location

This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office.

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

• Negotiate, write, and manage contract services and budgets. Monitor performance, including site visits to contractors, to ensure compliance with statistical, programmatic, evaluation and financial reporting requirements. Provide technical assistance and training as needed.
• Based on the CFWR project goals, develop, coordinate, and manage community-based initiatives.

• Assist with grant management activities, including financial tracking, compliance, and reporting.
• Assist in coordination of additional Homegrown Minneapolis projects including communications, events, and presentations.
• Research and analyze wasted food prevention and other food systems issues referred for study by department staff, City elected officials, and external sources.
• Collect and analyze information to identify current and future wasted food prevention and other public health concerns for specific populations.
• Prepare written and statistical reports describing current and future trends and the implication of those trends.
• Represent the department in communities by providing technical and advisory support to facilitate planning at the community level, and with identified groups and organizations.
• Monitor and analyze food systems related State, County, and Federal legislative activity and prepare reports regarding impact on the City.
• Act as advocate for the City by driving policy initiatives in the appropriate forums and in relationships with other departments, agencies, and programs, both internal and external.
• Work with the City Attorneys' Office, Intergovernmental Relations, state agencies, and other local and community-based organizations to initiate and respond to legislative issues.
• Identify and secure grants and other funding for department use, and take a lead role in the preparation of grant proposals for specific health initiatives.
• Staff department community advisory committees as assigned, including the City's Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council. Duties include: coordinating recruitment of members; making meeting arrangements, setting agendas, and arranging for guest speakers; follow-up on assignments from the committee to the department; coordinate internal and external committee communications.
• Assist in developing and overseeing the process for requests for proposals relevant to area of expertise, including reviewing and analyzing vendor proposals and making recommendations for funding.
• Serve on variety on boards and community coalitions, communicating current initiative activities and advocating for funds, and responding to community health issues.
• Prepare reports and presentations regarding program activities for grantors, management, elected officials, etc., including annual reports to the State and other organizations.
• Participate in Public Health Emergency Preparedness planning, training, and response as needed and assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Public/Community Health, Sustainability, Food Systems, Environmental Health, Urban Studies, Community Development/Organizing or a related field or equivalent.

Minimum Experience

Three years of relevant experience, which includes Public/Community Health, Sustainability, Food Systems, Environmental Health, Urban Studies, Community Development/Organizing or equivalent experience.

Licenses/Certificates

Valid Minnesota Driver's License. May need to provide car for work. If this happens, must have car insurance.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

A cover letter and resume are required. You MUST attach a cover letter and updated resume to your application or your application will be considered incomplete.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.

Background Check

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.

Union Representation

This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Public Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/

Eligible List Statement

The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire one month after it has been established.

Interview Selection

The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.

• Masters Degree preferred.
• Prior experience in grant management preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish and/or Somali preferred.
• Considerable knowledge of community health issues, wasted food prevention, or a specific subset, depending on assignment.
• Knowledge of strategic planning and organization management.

• Skill in policy development and analysis, government relations, project management and marketing communications.
• Ability to develop partnerships with community and work effectively with broad range of stakeholders including elected and appointed officials.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Good knowledge of computer operations, software, and applications.

As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.

The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.