Environmental Specialist

Overview

This position administers and coordinates the Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) program for the statewide ambient air quality monitoring network and MPCA Air Laboratory. The coordinator directs activities to ensure compliance with all state and federal quality requirements that govern the collection, analysis and reporting of ambient air data to the USEPA for the purpose of demonstrating attainment with State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

The coordinator administers and conducts data validation through the review of raw ambient air data, quality control records and statistical analyses. The coordinator is responsible for making final recommendations regarding data quality and the need for qualifiers before submittal to the USEPA. The coordinator leads and/or assists in the review and approval of Quality Management Plans, Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPP), Air Monitoring Network Plans and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for field and laboratory processes.

This position is dynamic, highly collaborative, and data driven. The coordinator works with quality assurance, air monitoring, laboratory, and data analysis staff to implement the ambient air network quality system and support an environment of continuous improvement.

• Two (2) years of advanced professional-level experience conducting environmental protection or pollution control activities with duties involving collection and/or validation of outdoor environmental data, laboratory data, and demonstrated experience working with Quality Assurance. (Advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work).

• Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, and planning/organization skills sufficient to perform senior-level professional work.
• Advanced technical and administrative writing skills.
• 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.

Demonstrated work experience with:

• Developing and implementing quality assurance program plans (QAPPs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and data quality objectives (DQOs).

Knowledge of:

• State and Federal ambient air monitoring regulations.
• Ambient air sampling and analysis methods.
• Laboratory methods such as GC-MS, UHPLC, and ICP-MS.
• Statistical analysis of data.

Ability to:

• Plan and coordinate quality assurance project plans.
• Critically review analytical or monitoring data and reports, make assessments, and provide recommendations.
• Effectively lead, mentor, and serve as a team member.
• Skilled in data and project management.

• 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.

• 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
• Crim…