Quality Assurance Specialist

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; Minnesota; On-site; USD 74,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency seeks a Quality Assurance Coordinator to administer and coordinate the QA/QC Program across MPCA programs, including data quality, lab auditing, and data review.

The coordinator provides guidance on analytical methods, reviews QMPs, QAPPs, SOPs, and other quality documents, and ensures compliance with state and federal quality requirements. Day shift, with multiple office locations.

Qualifications

• This position requires two years of advanced professional-level environmental data collection and QA experience.
• Good communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and planning/organization skills are essential.
• Advanced technical and administrative writing skills are required.
• Experience with QA/QC program plans, SOPs, and data quality objectives is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer and coordinate the QA/QC program across MPCA programs.
• Review Quality Management Plans, QAPPs, SOPs, and other quality documentation.
• Provide guidance on data quality and analytical methods.
• Lead and assist in data review and compliance with state/federal requirements.

Skills

QA/QC coordination

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Tools

GC-MS

GC-FID

LC-MS

ICP-AES

ICP-MS

Job description

Working Title: Quality Assurance Coordinator

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID: 97840
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/22/2026
• Closing Date: 11/12/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / Environmental Data Quality Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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

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 is located in the Environmental Data Quality Unit and is the Agency’s expert on quality systems that govern land program data quality. This position exists to administer and coordinate the Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) Program among various MPCA programs. The Coordinator directs activities to ensure and track compliance with all state and federal quality requirements that govern the collection, analysis and reporting of data to MPCA including laboratory auditing and data review. The Coordinator is responsible for providing guidance and making recommendations regarding data quality to MPCA programs. This position provides guidance on various analytical methods and represent MPCA on issues involving analytical analysis. The Coordinator leads and/or assists in the review and approval of Quality Management Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and other quality documentation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of advanced professional-level experience conducting environmental protection or pollution control activities with duties involving collection and/or validation of outdoor environmental data, laboratory data, and demonstrated experience working with Quality Assurance. (Advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work).

All candidates must have:

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

Advanced technical and administrative writing skills.

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

Demonstrated work experience with:

Developing and implementing quality assurance program plans (QAPPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data quality objectives (DQOs).

Knowledge of:

State and Federal environmental monitoring regulations.

Environmental sampling and analysis methods.

Laboratory methods such as GC-MS, GC-FID, LC-MS, ICP-AES, and ICP-MS.

Statistical analysis of data.

Ability to:

Plan and coordinate quality assurance project plans.

Critically review analytical data and reports, make assessments, and provide recommendations.

Effectively lead, mentor, and serve as a team member.

Skilled in:

Data and project management.

Physical Requirements

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

Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Donovan Baugh at [e-mail].

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