Our Ability Jobs

Working Title: Continuous Nitrate Sensor Network Coordinator

Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 80150

• Location : Various

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Limited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 09/12/2024

• Closing Date : 10/11/2024

• 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: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / annually

• Classified Status : Unclassified

• End Date : 03/06/2027

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

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

This position exists to manage the statewide continuous nitrate sensor network, which includes planning, coordinating, and leading the development of the network. This involves selecting monitoring locations, procuring sensors, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), installing and maintaining equipment, and ensuring data collection and quality assurance. The role requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and local partners, to analyze and present nitrate data. The coordinator will also stay updated on advances in nitrate sensor technology and lead data analysis, ensuring that information is communicated effectively to both internal and external audiences. Additionally, the position involves physically demanding fieldwork and requires excellent technical and interpersonal skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Hydrology, Natural Resources, Limnology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or other similar ecological or environmental sciences, AND

Two years of advanced professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience which includes working knowledge of water resource concerns, hydrology and understanding of water pollution control science and technology (e.g., advanced professional level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work.)

Ability to coordinate and lead a group or groups of watershed stakeholders (including state agency staff, soil and water conservation districts, counties, local resource professionals, and citizens) within diverse memberships and occasional conflicting priorities.

Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, and planning/organization skills sufficient to independently perform senior-level professional work.

Advanced technical and administrative writing skills.

Advanced knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Access, 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

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. This natural science knowledge must be balanced with an understanding of social, political, and economic considerations.

Demonstrated ability to independently complete projects and deliverables pertaining to water quality monitoring and data analysis.

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.

Experience and or knowledge of contracting and grants/loans policies and procedures, and budgeting, sufficient to follow and keep accurate records.

Project management experience especially that pertaining to watershed management projects (WRAPS, TMDL, CWP loans, and 319 grants) or water monitoring projects.

Proficient in Graphic Information System (GIS) software manipulation and editing.

Experience and training related to Tribal – State Relations.

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.

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.