Seasonal Stream Monitoring Technician - Pollution Cont Technician

Working Title: Seasonal Stream Monitoring Technician Job Class: Pollution Control Technician Agency: Pollution Control Agency * Job ID: 81369 * Location: St. Paul * Telework Eligible: No * Full/Part Time: Full-Time * Regular/Temporary: Temporary * Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers * Date Posted: 12/2/2024 * Closing Date: 01/15/2025 * Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-AFSCME * Division/Unit: Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / South Biological Monitoring Unit * Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift * Days of Work: Monday - Thursday, 10-hour days * Travel Required: Yes - Up to 100% of the time * Salary Range: $20.02 - $27.49 / hourly; $41,801 - $57,399 / annually * Classified Status: Classified * Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME * End Date: 10/02/2025 * FLSA Status: Nonexempt * Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No 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 posting will be used to fill three (3) vacancies in the St. Paul office*** Typically, incumbents in this role will conduct field work Monday through Thursday from the MPCA Saint Paul office. They will be in travel status throughout this time, working in greater Minnesota to assist professional staff biologist sampling surface water and providing physical and technical support in assessing the biological, chemistry, and physical qualities of streams and rivers. Lodging, state vehicle, equipment, and meals are provided. Monitoring work occurs from May to October. The incumbent in this role will provide field sampling and data reporting skills to MPCA professional biologists while conducting biological, water quality, and habitat assessment of streams and rivers. In addition, the incumbent will also provide mentorship and assistance to student workers. Duties include: Assist in reconnaissance of stream sampling sites and conduct fish, invertebrate, habitat measurements, and water chemistry sampling in order to assess water quality of Minnesota's streams. Assist field crew leader with development of the sampling schedule and day-to-day oversight of more junior staff members. Prepare and calibrate field equipment. Obtain water samples for laboratory analysis. Conduct habitat assessment. Record and organize field data. Ensure quality assurance procedures are carried out according to standard operating procedures (i.e., equipment calibration, voucher specimens, and repeat sample visits). To learn more about our Water Monitoring Program, please click here . To learn more specifically about seasonal employment with the biological monitoring program, please click here . This is great experience if you are interested in working outdoors and learning about the environment. You will become familiar with MPCA protocols for sampling fish, invertebrates, and numerous water chemistry parameters. Prior lab or field experience through previous work and/or in a lab/school setting is helpful. Please be sure to specifically mention your experience and/or related coursework in your resume and/or cover letter. We are unable to guess what you have or haven't learned based on a specific degree from a specific institution. This position is a member of a crew and must have good conflict resolution and communication skills. Interaction with the public may occur. Work hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days with overnight travel. The incumbent must have the ability to work and collaborate with their team while in the field. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Must be enrolled in, or graduated from a science related program for a 2-year associates or 4-year bachelor's degree with two years of course work in aquatic ecology, biology, limnology, hydrology, or related coursework with field experience 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 Field experience sampling fish, invertebrates, water chemistry or habitat Coursework in ichthyology, fisheries science, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry, or aquatic ecology Familiarity with GPS units, maps, and a compass Knowledge of water and boat safety Familiarity with common GIS, spreadsheet, and/or database programs Good communication skills and ability to work in a team setting Physical Requirements Must be able to perform field work associated with monitoring projects. This includes driving a motor pool vehicle, 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 in the water or over land. Should be capable of moderate physical exertion in 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. Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers . Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Donovan Baugh at donovan.baugh@state.mn.us. 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 Benefits 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 * Tuition reimbursement * 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.