Stream Monitoring Technician - Job ID 81693

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 in the Brainerd office*** 

Typically, incumbents in this role will conduct field work Monday through Thursday from the MPCA Brainerd office. They will be in travel status throughout this time, working in greater Minnesota to assist professional staff biologist sampling fish and macroinvertebrate communities and providing physical and technical support in assessing the chemistry, and physical qualities of streams and rivers. Lodging, state vehicle, equipment, and meals are provided. 

Monitoring work occurs from June to October. 

The incumbent in this role will provide field sampling and data reporting skills to MPCA professional biologists while conducting biological, water quality, and habitat assessment of streams and rivers. In addition, the incumbent will also provide mentorship and assistance to student workers. 

Duties include: 

Assist in reconnaissance of stream sampling sites and conduct fish, invertebrate, habitat measurements, and water chemistry sampling in order to assess water quality of Minnesota’s streams. 

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. 

Obtain water samples for laboratory analysis. 

Conduct habitat assessment. 

Record and organize field data. 

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 our Water Monitoring Program, please click here. To learn more specifically about seasonal employment with the biological 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 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 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.

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

Must be enrolled in, or graduated from a science related program for a 2-year associates or 4-year bachelor’s degree with two years of course work in aquatic ecology, biology, limnology, hydrology, 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. 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

Field experience sampling fish, invertebrates, water chemistry or habitat 

Coursework in ichthyology, fisheries science, aquatic invertebrates, water chemistry, or aquatic ecology 

Familiarity with GPS units, maps, and a compass 

Knowledge of water and boat safety 

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.

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.