Water Quality Specialist

Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa; Grand Portage (MN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa seeks a Water Quality Specialist to lead field monitoring, data management, and regulatory review. The role protects surface waters across the Grand Portage Reservation, including the Lake Superior shoreline, through hands-on sampling and program compliance.

You will plan seasonal monitoring, deploy field equipment, collect samples, manage data, run reports for Tribal Council, and provide community outreach.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in water resources, hydrology, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in water quality or related area.
• Field monitoring experience with sondes and Secchi disks.
• Working knowledge of water chemistry and EPA program requirements.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to remote sites.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data management.

Responsibilities

• Lead field monitoring and data management for surface waters.
• Conduct seasonal water quality monitoring on lakes, streams, and Lake Superior shoreline.
• Deploy and calibrate multiparameter sondes; measure transparency with Secchi disks.
• Collect and manage samples and ensure chain-of-custody.
• Enter and upload data to EPA WQX and prepare annual assessments.
• Provide outreach and education to community; train staff.

Skills

Field monitoring experience

Excel skills

Data entry accuracy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in water resources, hydrology, environmental science, chemistry, or related field

Tools

Multiparameter sondes

Secchi disks

Water sample handling

Job description

• Location 83 Stevens Rd,Grand Portage, MN, 55605,United States
• Base Pay $20.80 / Hour
• Employee Type FT HOURLY

Contact information

• Name Human Resources
• Phone [phone]
• Email [e-mail]

Description

The Water Quality Specialist leads field monitoring, data management, and regulatory review to protect the surface waters of the Grand Portage Reservation, including Lake Superior shoreline, inland lakes, streams, and wetlands. The position combines hands-on field sampling with Clean Water Act program work, permit review, and EPA reporting, and supports the Band’s authority to regulate its own waters.

Plan and conduct seasonal water quality monitoring on lakes, streams, and Lake Superior shoreline following the approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP)

Deploy, calibrate, maintain, and retrieve multiparameter sondes; measure transparency with Secchi disks; collect grab samples for laboratory chemistry.

Collect beach water samples for bacterial (E. coli) monitoring during the swimming season and support public advisories when results exceed standards.

Reach remote sites by hiking and canoeing, carrying and operating sampling equipment safely.

Maintain chain-of-custody, field logs, equipment calibration records, and sample shipment to laboratories

Enter, verify, and manage field and lab data accurately and on schedule; maintain internal databases.

Upload data to EPA’s Water Quality Exchange (WQX) and other required systems.

Summarize and analyze data to identify trends, including changes related to climate (water temperature, ice cover, precipitation, nutrient loading).

Prepare annual water quality assessment records, grant progress reports, and summaries for Tribal Council and the community.

Provide outreach and education to the community and youth on water quality

Train and mentor technicians and seasonal staff in field and data procedures

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in water resources, hydrology, environmental science, chemistry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At least 2 years of experience in water quality, hydrology, or a related area.

Field monitoring experience, including use of multiparameter sondes, Secchi disks, and water sample collection and handling.

Working knowledge of water chemistry (nutrients, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, turbidity, bacteria).

Understanding of the Clean Water Act and EPA program requirements and reporting

Experience with or working knowledge of permitting and permit review

Familiarity with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process

Strong data entry skills with close attention to accuracy; proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office

Ability to work independently in the field and meet reporting deadlines

Valid driver’s license and insurable with RTC auto insurance