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Working Title: Water Quality PC Tech

Job Class: Pollution Control Technician

Agency: Pollution Control Agency

+ **Job ID** : 90327

+ **Location** : Brainerd

+ **Telework Eligible** : No

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Temporary

+ **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted** : 12/01/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 01/14/2026

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-AFSCME

+ **Division/Unit** : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / Water Quality Monitoring Unit

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Thursday, 10-hour days

+ **Travel Required** : Yes

+ **Salary Range:** $20.32 - $27.90 / hourly; $42,428 - $58,255 / annually

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 207 - Technical/AFSCME

+ **End Date** : 10/01/2026

+ **FLSA Status** : Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No

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.

* This posting will be used to fill two (2) 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 water chemistry including nutrients, bacteria, metals, sediment and providing physical and technical support in assessing the chemistry, and physical qualities of lake, streams, and rivers.

Lodging, state vehicle, equipment, and meals are provided. Monitoring work occurs from May 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 lakes, streams, and rivers. In addition, the incumbent will also provide mentorship and assistance to student workers.

Duties include:

Assist in reconnaissance of lake, stream and river sampling sites and conduct water chemistry sampling in order to assess water quality of Minnesota’s water resources.

Assist field crew leader with development of the sampling schedule and day-to-day perpetration for conducting monitoring trips.

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, and repeat sample visits).

To learn more about our Water Monitoring Program, please click here (https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/river-and-stream-biological-monitoring) .

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 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.

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 (2) 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 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

Field experiences sampling water chemistry, zooplankton, phytoplankton, or habitat

Coursework in limnology, hydrology, aquatic biology, , fisheries science, 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, 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.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.