Job Details

Working Title: Continuous Nitrate Sensor Network Specialist
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 3
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID: 81861
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: Yes - Up to 60% of the time
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/19/2024
• Closing Date: 12/09/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / Long-Term Surface Water Data Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 40% of the time
• Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly; $64,310 - $94,941 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date: 06/30/2027
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Rochester, Mankato or St. Paul.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

This position exists to provide monitoring and technical expertise for the statewide continuous nitrate sensor network. The position will work with the continuous nitrate sensor network coordinator to plan and develop the network, including standardizing, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data collected.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Conservation, Biology, Chemistry, Limnology, Hydrology, Water Resources, or related field and 2 years of professional experience conducting professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience that includes water quality monitoring with an understanding of the principles of limnology, hydrology, water quality standards, and surface water pollutants.
OR
Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Conservation, Biology, Chemistry, Limnology, Hydrology, Water Resources or related field and 1 year of professional experience conducting professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience that includes water quality monitoring with an understanding of the principles of limnology, hydrology, water quality standards, and surface water pollutants.
OR
Three (3) years professional-level experience conducting professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience that includes water quality monitoring with an understanding of the principles of limnology, hydrology, water quality standards, and surface water pollutants.
All candidates must have:
The ability to independently complete assignments in a timely manner, serve as a team member, and understand the economic and social impact of environmental decisions.
The ability to review stream water quality data.
Good communication, interpersonal and collaboration skills needed.
Sufficient planning/organization skills to perform senior-level professional work.
Working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
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

Experience collecting water quality data, recording observations in a field setting, and conducting quality assurance of environmental data.
Working knowledge of watershed management principles and practices, limnology, hydrology, stream ecology, and contaminant transport principles, particularly in the context of Southern and Central Minnesota.
Experience with public communications efforts and public speaking related to water quality, , drinking water, or environmental projects.
Working knowledge of continuous nitrate monitoring sensor technology, equipment installation and equipment maintenance.
Experience using WISKI or another similar database for continuous water data management.
Proficient in Graphic Information System (GIS) software manipulation and editing.
Ability to:
Work effectively with others and coordinate with individuals involved in diverse environmental programs and research and to establish and maintain productive and open communications with business partners and other staff members.
Critically review, document, and summarize information and data into comprehensive recommendations, reports, and presentations.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and step over obstacles in uneven terrain. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders and boxes, tools, or heavier materials with help from others and/or moving light objects frequently. A job in this category may require maintaining a stationary position to a significant degree or may involve a certain amount of moving necessary in carrying out job duties.

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.

Application Details

How to Apply

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

Contact

If you have questions about this 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 for some positions.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

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.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.