Wetland Soil Monitoring Technician - Job ID 90332

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 two (2) vacancies in the St. Paul office*** 

Typically, incumbents in this role will conduct field work Monday through Thursday from the MPCA St. Paul office. They will be in travel status throughout this time, working in greater Minnesota to assist professional staff botanists specifically sampling soils, and providing physical and technical support in assessing the chemistry, and physical qualities of wetlands. 

Lodging, state vehicle, equipment, and meals are provided. 

The incumbent in this role will provide field sampling and data reporting skills to MPCA professional botanists while conducting wetland soil monitoring. In addition, the incumbent will also provide mentorship and assistance to student workers. The incumbent must have the ability to work and collaborate with their team while in the field.

Duties include: 

Assist in reconnaissance of wetland sampling sites 

Conduct soil sampling to understand the quality of Minnesota’s wetlands. 

Independently make field soil profile descriptions including: identifying different soil layers; accurately describing texture and color; and identify hydric soil indicators 

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. 

Prepare soil samples for laboratory analysis. 

Record and organize field data. 

Using maps and GPS to navigate in remote areas 

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 the MPCA Wetland 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 wetlands to understand health of these systems. 

Work hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days with overnight travel. Anticipated dates for work are May 27th, 2026 through October 2nd, 2026. 

This position is a member of a crew and must have good conflict resolution and communication skills. Interaction with the public may occur. Specifically mention your experience and/or related coursework in your resume and/or cover letter as to what you have or haven’t learned based on a specific degree from a specific institution. 

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 (2) years of course work in soil science, 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 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

Field experience conducting soil profile descriptions including: identifying different soil layers; accurately describing texture and color; and identify hydric soil indicators 

Field experience with soil sampling (chemistry and bulk density); Soil Judging; wetland/hydric soils; and US Army Corps hydrology indicators and NRCS hydric soil indicators used for wetland determination/delineation

Familiarity with GPS units, maps, and a compass navigating remote areas

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, wading in rivers and streams, 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.

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 
• Education Verification 
• Employment Reference / Records Check 
• License / Certification Verification where applicable

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.