Continuous Nitrate Sensor Network Specialist - Job ID 81861

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.

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.