Continuous Nitrate Sensor Network Coordinator - Job ID 80150

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 position exists to manage the statewide continuous nitrate sensor network, which includes planning, coordinating, and leading the development of the network. This involves selecting monitoring locations, procuring sensors, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), installing and maintaining equipment, and ensuring data collection and quality assurance. The role requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including government agencies and local partners, to analyze and present nitrate data. The coordinator will also stay updated on advances in nitrate sensor technology and lead data analysis, ensuring that information is communicated effectively to both internal and external audiences. Additionally, the position involves physically demanding fieldwork and requires excellent technical and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Hydrology, Natural Resources, Limnology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or other similar ecological or environmental sciences, AND

Two years of advanced professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience which includes working knowledge of water resource concerns, hydrology and understanding of water pollution control science and technology (e.g., advanced professional level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work.)

Ability to coordinate and lead a group or groups of watershed stakeholders (including state agency staff, soil and water conservation districts, counties, local resource professionals, and citizens) within diverse memberships and occasional conflicting priorities.

Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, and planning/organization skills sufficient to independently perform senior-level professional work.

Advanced technical and administrative writing skills.

Advanced knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel.

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

Working knowledge of watershed management principles and practices, limnology, hydrology, stream ecology, and contaminant transport principles, particularly in the context of Southern and Central Minnesota. This natural science knowledge must be balanced with an understanding of social, political, and economic considerations.

Demonstrated ability to independently complete projects and deliverables pertaining to water quality monitoring and data analysis.

Working knowledge of continuous nitrate monitoring sensor technology, equipment installation and equipment maintenance.

Experience using WISKI or another similar database for continuous water data management.

Experience and or knowledge of contracting and grants/loans policies and procedures, and budgeting, sufficient to follow and keep accurate records.

Project management experience especially that pertaining to watershed management projects (WRAPS, TMDL, CWP loans, and 319 grants) or water monitoring projects.

Proficient in Graphic Information System (GIS) software manipulation and editing.

Experience and training related to Tribal – State Relations.
 

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and step over obstacles in uneven terrain. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders and boxes, tools, or heavier materials with help from others and/or moving light objects frequently. A job in this category may require maintaining a stationary position to a significant degree or may involve a certain amount of moving necessary in carrying out job duties.

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.