Planning Specialist

June 11, 2026

Annual Salary Range: $82,459 – $122,522 

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. 

 

Licensure/Certifications

A valid Class D driver’s license is required.

 

Minimum Education and Experience

Education: High School diploma, GED or equivalent. 

Experience: An equivalent combination of education and experience listed above to total six (6) or more years. 

 

Preferred Education and Experience

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Political Science or a closely related field. 

Experience: Two (2) years of combined experience in project management, grant administration, reporting, planning, public service delivery, or a closely related field. Preference given for relative experience in solid waste management or environmental fields. Preference also given for a current project management certification, e.g., Project Management Institute (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar. 

Substitution: An Associate’s degree in any of the above areas of study and four (4) years of the required work experience above. 

 

Job Description

A detailed job description can be found here: Planning Specialist

 

Benefits

A summary of benefits available to R&E non-represented employees can be found here: Non-Represented Summary of Benefits

 

Posting Timeframe

Applicants should respond promptly as the posting will close on July 5, 2026 with initial review of applications and supplemental questions to follow.

 

To Apply

All steps must be completed for an application to be considered. Please submit all attachments (e.g., resume, cover letter, portfolio) in PDF format to ensure documents are readable and can be thoroughly reviewed.  The job application and supplemental questions are both fillable-PDFs. Learn how to use fillable PDFs

  1. Complete the job application
  2. Thoroughly answer all Supplemental Questions
  3. Send job application and supplemental questions to Human Resources by emailing completed application and supplemental questions to HR@recyclingandenergy.org.

 

Veterans’ Preference Scoring Points

All positions posted require an open and competitive selection process.  Application materials are first scored on training and experience and answers to supplemental questions (if applicable). If documentation is received to support Veterans’ Preference points, those points will be applied after application materials have been scored. Applicants who are eligible for veteran’s preference points should complete R&E’s Veterans’ Preference Form, update their veteran’s DD214 and other supporting documents, and submit them at the time of application.

 

Equal Opportunity Employment

Ramsey/Washington Recycling & Energy provides equal access to employment, programs and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, public assistance or national origin.