Working Title: Field Crew Leader

Job Class: Environmental Specialist 1

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Job ID : 81372

• Location : Brainerd

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Limited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 12/02/2024

• Closing Date : 01/15/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / North 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: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually

• Classified Status : Unclassified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• End Date : 10/02/2025

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

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

* This posting will be used to fill three (3) vacancies located in the Brainerd office. *

Typically, incumbents in this role will leave to conduct field work on Monday morning and return on Thursday evening (from our Brainerd office). They will be in travel status, working in greater Minnesota to assist the biological monitoring staff sample 150 to 300 sites on rivers and streams in 3 to 6 major watersheds each field season. Lodging, state vehicle, and meals are provided.

Monitoring work occurs from May to September.

The incumbent will conduct field sampling and data reporting in concert with a team of MPCA professional biologists, lead crews of 1-4 seasonal staff to sample fish, invertebrates, water chemistry, flow, and habitat in Minnesota streams to assess their condition.

Duties include:

Reconnaissance of biological sampling sites

Lead a crew of 1-4 seasonal staff to sample approximately 50 sites per year for fish, invertebrates, habitat, and water chemistry in order to assess water quality of Minnesota’s streams Help maintain field equipment, train students, and keep field records

Enter and manage data on Agency computers

To learn more about our Water Monitoring Program, please click here (https://www.pca.state.mn.us/water/biological-monitoring-water-minnesota) .

This is a great experience for those 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.

This is a crew lead position. The incumbent must possess good conflict resolution and communication skills. Interaction with the public is often necessary. Specifically mention your experience and/or related coursework on your resume and/or cover letter as to what you have or haven’t learned based on a specific degree from a specific institution. Note that related coursework or professional experience in ichthyology, fisheries science, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry or habitat should be highlighted.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field; OR

Two (2) years of environmental protection experience, AND

Ability to pass the MPCA fish identification test

Ability to work and collaborate with their team while in the field

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

Ability to manage multiple projects at different levels of complexity.

Knowledge of the environmental regulatory process or state and federal rules and regulations applicable to water quality

Leadership experience in prior work, civic, or school projects.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with the public, representatives of other government agencies and regulate parties.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to perform field work associated with monitoring projects. This may include walking in streams, 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. 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 driver's license record 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.