Seasonal Stream Monitoring Student Worker - Job ID 82052
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: two in the St. Paul office and one in the Brainerd office. ***
Typically, incumbents in this role will leave to conduct field work Monday through Thursday (from our St. Paul office). They will be in travel status, working in greater Minnesota to assist the Water Quality monitoring staff sample lake, stream, and river sites across MN. Lodging, state vehicle, and meals are provided.
The incumbent will provide field sampling and data recording skills to MPCA professional biologists to conduct biological, and water quality, assessment of Minnesota lake, streams, and rivers.
Duties include:
Assist in collecting water chemistry samples to assess overall condition of Minnesota's lakes, streams, and rivers
Record field data
Sample processing
Trip and equipment preparation
To learn more about our Water 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 numerous water chemistry parameters.
Work hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days with overnight travel. Anticipated dates for work are June 2, 2025 - August 28, 2025.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must be enrolled in secondary, post-secondary, or graduate study program in environmental studies, environmental science, water resources, conservation, chemistry, environmental engineering, or biology program working on an associates, bachelor’s, or master’s degree and have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in one of the programs listed above.
To be eligible for an appointment as a Student Worker Para Professional Senior, you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program and have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as a student worker, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. If you are enrolled at a credit-granting institution, you must carry at least six semester/nine quarter credits. if enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, you must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load will be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment.
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
Coursework in fisheries, aquatic ecology, hydrology or water quality
Coursework or familiarity with GPS units, maps, and the use of a compass
Coursework or familiarity with common databases and the use of spreadsheets
Ability to work in a team environment yet independently when needed
Good communication skills
Physical Requirements
Must be physically able to perform field work associated with monitoring projects. This may include 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 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.