Environmental Specialist 3

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Pension plan benefits

Flexible schedules / telework options

Job summary

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeks a Duluth-based air quality and acid rain monitoring specialist to ensure regional network operations meet program requirements and data quality standards.

You will liaise with Tribes, state and federal agencies, and academia while developing monitoring strategies and representing the Agency at public meetings and educational events.

Qualifications

• University degree in environmental protection or related science with data experience.
• At least two years of professional environmental protection or pollution control work.
• Experience with data quality control, data management and analytical tools.
• Or three years of related professional environmental experience.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and understand regulatory processes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure Duluth and Northern Minnesota monitoring network operations meet program requirements.
• Serve as liaison to tribes, agencies, academia, and other partners.
• Develop and implement regional monitoring strategies based on expertise.
• Respond to information requests and represent the Agency at meetings and events.

Skills

Data analysis

Data management

Project management

Communication

Technical writing

Mentoring

Time management

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

This position is the Duluth Regional Office air quality and acid rain monitoring specialist. This position exists to ensure network operations in Duluth and Northern Minnesota comply with program requirements, so the resulting data is valid to demonstrate compliance with State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards, acid rain standards, health benchmarks, and to publish the Air Quality Index to protect public health. The specialist acts as the liaison to several network partners including Minnesota Tribes, state and federal agencies, academia and the National Atmospheric Deposition Program, environmental learning centers, and private citizens. The specialist assists in the development and implementation of monitoring strategies based upon regional expertise. As the regional air monitoring expert, the specialist responds to request for information and represents the Agency at public meetings, Tribal forums, and educational events.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an environmental protection or related science, including chemistry, environmental science or biology, and two (2) years of professional-level environmental protection experience or pollution control experience. Experience must include data quality, data management and the use of analytical tools.

OR

Three (3) years of professional-level environmental experience as described above.

AND

Ability to manage multiple projects.

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules and permits.

Understanding regulatory applicability and effectiveness related to air toxics, emissions reporting, and enforceability.

Critically review, assemble, document, and summarize information and data; communicate data results, independently complete assignments in a timely manner; and mentor and serve as a team member.

Strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, customer service skills, and planning/organization skills sufficient to perform senior-level professional work.

Demonstrated strong technical writing skills.

Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word and Excel and exposure to PowerPoint.

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

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. 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. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

Thorough understanding of state and federal air monitoring regulations and the guiding principles and policies of air quality surveillance.

Ability to troubleshoot instrument problems to develop and direct corrective measures based upon the analysis of data and other electronic information generated by system components or diagnostic tools.

Strong writing skills to prepare written reports, technical memos, and standard operating procedures manuals as required by regulation.

Strong project planning and management skills to develop schedules, timetables, set priorities, and evaluate results.

Ability to review data and recognize abnormal patterns (diurnal and seasonal) and concentration ranges and develop corrective measures and to defend data quality and monitoring program elements.

Physical Requirements

Site operation involves lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 20 pounds on a daily basis and up to 60 pounds on an occasional basis in a field environment. While in the field the incumbent must be able to access stairs and or use ladders to access rooftops and or platforms, work outside year-round with exposure to a variety of weather conditions and travel by car to monitoring sites on a near daily basis. When required this position may assist in the construction or maintenance of new sites that require unskilled manual labor.

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.

It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification where applicable

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

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
• 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 vary

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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.