Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Macroinvertebrate Biologist

Job Class: Research Scientist 2

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 78042

• Location : Brainerd

• Telework Eligible : Yes - Full-time telework eligible

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 07/03/2024

• Closing Date : 07/23/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / North Biological Monitoring Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 30% of the time

• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

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.

This position exists to provide technical expertise to staff of the MPCA and external monitoring partners on the impacts of pollution and other environmental stressors on aquatic biological communities. Specifically, the incumbent is responsible for conducting research to assess the condition of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and their response to physical, chemical, and biological stressors. The incumbent will work with partners to develop monitoring proposals to determine if rivers and streams are meeting standards for aquatic life and to aid program activities related to designating aquatic life uses, permitting, and stressor identification. In addition, the incumbent will provide technical support for tiered aquatic life use (TALU) and Use Attainability Analysis (UAA) implementation on rivers and streams in Minnesota. The incumbent will participate in interagency initiatives focused on biological monitoring and assessment. The incumbent will conduct statistical analyses on a large statewide dataset to evaluate biological responses to stressors and watershed implementation activities. Where applicable the incumbent will manage contracts and budgets associated with these projects.

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree in the sciences related to aquatic biology, environmental science, ecology, or related biological field.

OR

A bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology, environmental science, ecology, or related biological field and two (2) years of professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience in monitoring and assessment of waterbodies..

This position requires a broad range of technical and organizational skills, knowledge, and abilities with respect to aquatic macroinvertebrate monitoring and assessment within the context of federal and state environmental laws, regulations, and guidance. The incumbent must have the ability to: develop and implement complex work plans; independently complete assignments in a timely manner; effectively lead, mentor, and serve as a team member; and understand the economic and social impact of environmental decisions, and be familiar with the use of statistical and database management tools.

The candidate must have a detailed understanding of macroinvertebrates including their identification, life history, taxonomy, and community level functions.

The candidate must understand the specific habitat requirements and distributions of each organism and be able to interpret how an organisms unique characteristics that make it able to respond to changes in its environment.

The candidate must have detailed knowledge of advanced statistical techniques that are used to analyze and interpret complex biological, chemical, and physical datasets.

Candidates must possess strong verbal communication and technical writing skills to facilitate communication of our results to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Ability to work effectively with peers and fellow team members.

Ability to analyze, organize and present information and develop recommendations in concise written form and through effective presentations.

The incumbent must be able to pass certification in trailering and motorized watercraft operation within one month of administered training – on the job training is provided.

Valid Class D 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 interpreting highly complex scientific results in the form of technical manuscripts, guidance documents, as well as the ability to present those results in a non-technical written format such as news articles, etc.

Experience presenting complex scientific work to both technical and non-technical audiences and to defend their work in the face of criticism.

Experience in the use of R, Python, or other open-source programs to interpret large data sets and produce data visualizations.

Familiarity with how indices of biological integrity (IBI’s) are developed and calculated.

Experience developing and managing projects and contracts.

Experience in using statistical tools, geospatial analysis or applying GIS tools to evaluate environmental issues.

Physical Requirements

Approximately 30% of this position will consist of field work. You must be physically able to perform field work associated with biological monitoring. This may include 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 while wading in the water or over land. Capable of moderate physical exertion on 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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.