Stream Crew Lead - Job ID 90316

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 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. 

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.

Qualifications

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 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

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.

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