Photochemical Assessment Monitoring/Special Projects Lead - Job ID 85142

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, located in the Air Monitoring Unit of the Environmental Analysis & Outcomes division, exists to manage the National Core and Photochemical Assessment Monitoring Station remote lab including gas chromatograph, carbonyl sampler, trace level monitors and ceilometer in addition to standard air monitoring equipment, including procuring and deploying equipment and performing the chemical and physical analyses of ambient air samples to quantify the concentration of various environmental pollutants and meteorological parameters. The Photochemical Assessment Monitoring equipment includes a laboratory grade gas chromatograph for onsite collection and analysis of volatile organic compounds. The position will also be the lead for special purpose sampling methods including Mobile Monitoring, and act as backup for lab and field staff in the Air Monitoring Unit. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in an environmental protection or related science, including chemistry, environmental science or biology, and two (2) years of professional-level environmental protection experience associated with determining compliance with environmental regulations and preparing, issuing, and oversight of enforcement actions and/or experience issuing permits OR Three (3) years of professional-level environmental experience as described above AND 

Ability to manage multiple projects. 

Understanding of the environmental regulatory process and state and federal rules and permits. 

Understanding regulatory applicability and effectiveness related to air toxics, emissions reporting, odor policy, and enforceability. 

Demonstrated strong technical writing skills. 

Basic computer skills with proficiency in Word and exposure to Excel and PowerPoint. 

Good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members. 

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

Thorough understanding of state and federal air monitoring regulations and the guiding principles and policies of air quality surveillance.

Ability to troubleshoot instrument problems to develop and direct corrective measures based upon the analysis of data and other electronic information generated by system components or diagnostic tools.

Ability to review data and recognize abnormal patterns (diurnal and seasonal) and concentration ranges and develop corrective measures and to defend data quality and monitoring program elements.

Good writing skills to prepare written reports, technical memos, and standard operating procedures manuals as required by regulation.

Good project planning and management skills to develop schedules, timetables, set priorities, and evaluate results.

Physical Requirements

Site operation involves lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 20 pounds on a daily basis and up to 60 pounds on an occasional basis in a field environment. While in the field the incumbent must be able to access stairs and or use ladders to access rooftops and or platforms, work outside year-round with exposure to a variety of weather conditions and travel by car to monitoring sites on a near daily basis. When required this position may assist in the construction or maintenance of new sites that require unskilled manual labor.

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.