Working Title: Water Quality Monitoring Technician
Job Class: Pollution Control Technician
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/04/2023
• Closing Date: 01/17/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: EAO / Water Qualitiy Monitoring Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 100% of the time
• Salary Range: $19.16 - $26.31 / hourly; $40,006 - $54,935 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• End Date: 10/03/2024
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

*** This posting will be used to fill two (2) vacancies: one in the St. Paul office and the other in the Brainerd office. ***

Typically, incumbents in this role will conduct field work Monday through Thursday (from the Saint Paul or Brainerd offices). They will be in travel status, working in greater Minnesota to assist professional staff sample surface water and provide physical and technical support in assessing the biological, chemistry, and physical qualities of lakes and rivers. Lodging, state vehicle, and meals are provided. Monitoring work occurs from May to September/October.

The incumbent in this role will provide field sampling and data reporting sampling skills to MPCA professional biologists to conduct biological, water quality and habitat assessment of lake, streams, and rivers. In addition, the incumbent will also provide mentorship and assistance to student workers.

Duties include:

Assist in collecting field data to assess the overall condition of Minnesota’s surface waters

Enter and manage water quality field data

Assist other Water Monitoring Section program sampling, as needed

To learn more about our Water Monitoring Program, please click here.

Please be sure to specifically mention your experience and/or related coursework in your resume and/or cover letter. We are unable to guess what you have or haven’t learned based on a specific degree from a specific institution. This position is a member of a crew and must have good conflict resolution and communication skills. Interaction with the public may occur.

Work hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days with overnight travel. The incumbent must have the ability to work and collaborate with their team while in the field.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be enrolled in, or graduated from a science related program for a 2-year associates or 4-year bachelor’s degree with two years of course work in aquatic ecology, biology, limnology, hydrology, or related coursework with field experience

Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements).

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

Field experience sampling water chemistry or habitat

Coursework in aquatic ecology, biology, limnology, hydrology, or closely related field

Knowledge of water and boat safety

Familiarity with common GIS, spreadsheet, and/or database programs

Good communication skills and ability to work in a team setting

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform field work associated with monitoring projects. This includes driving a motor pool vehicle, loading/unloading vehicles and boats with field equipment, carrying equipment to sites, launching boats, or portaging canoes. Frequently may need to lift and carry approximately 50 pounds in the water or over land. Should be capable of moderate physical exertion in summer heat and sun.

Additional Requirements

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory DLR check. Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Donovan Baugh at donovan.baugh@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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.