Wetland Monitoring Crew Lead Job ID 89520

Job Summary

This position exists to perform plant, water chemistry, soil, and macroinvertebrate monitoring of wetlands across Minnesota as a crew lead in the MPCA Biological Monitoring Program. This wetland monitoring data defines wetland condition quality across Minnesota for use in analysis, permitting, and reporting efforts. The incumbent is responsible for leading monitoring crews in accurate identification of all plants present in Minnesota’s wetland environment. Planning and coordination of MPCA’s wetland monitoring program work is necessary to meet monitoring goals.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or natural resources with an emphasis in botany, plant ecology, or aquatic biology AND one year of professional experience conducting field vegetation surveys identifying wetland plant species on site in the field. 

OR 

Two (2) years of professional experience conducting field vegetation surveys identifying wetland plant species on site in the field. Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, and planning/organization skills to work effectively with team members and external partners. 

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

Knowledge of: 

Various wetland monitoring methods for vegetation, soil, macroinvertebrates, and water chemistry 

How wetland condition criteria metrics are developed and calculated 

Databases, data management tools, spreadsheets, and basic statistical software for storage and manipulation of monitoring data 

Geographic Information Systems and Electronic Data Capture applications 

Experimental design and statistical analysis of ecological or environmental data 

State water and wetland policies/rules including interpretation of how wetland monitoring and assessment applies to those policies/rules 

To learn more about the MPCA Wetland Monitoring Program, please click here.

Physical Requirements

Field work is conducted during the months of May through September. The incumbent must be able to adapt to challenging weather, terrain, nuisance insects, and environmental conditions found in Minnesota during these months. This position requires moderate to heavy physical exertion regularly while in remote locations in the field. The incumbent must be able to carry 50 pounds over land while conducting biological monitoring work. The incumbent must be willing able to wade in wetlands and streams with difficult footing such as soft muck, dense vegetation, variable sized rocks, or fast/deep flows.

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.

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.