Air Quality Monitoring Network Coordinator - Job ID 55574
Job Summary
This position exists to ensure the State of Minnesota can demonstrate compliance with State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards through the timely collection of data and efficient operation of the Statewide Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Networks. This individual coordinates and directs the daily operations of the Statewide Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network to ensure Minnesota collects defensible data to demonstrate compliance with State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards. As the State’s expert on ambient air monitoring technology used for the surveillance of ambient air quality they will design, research and implement programs to improve upon existing air monitoring technology to meet changing federal regulation and MPCA priorities related to new pollutants of concern.
Minimum Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, or environmental science or closely related field of study and TWO (2) years of advance professional air experience operating pollutant analyzers, calibrators, data loggers, and telemetry systems to ensure network operations are meeting applicable regulations. (For internal staff advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Environmental Specialist 3 level work).
- Must have the ability to review data and recognize abnormal patterns (diurnal and seasonal) and concentration ranges and develop corrective measures to defend data quality and monitoring program elements.
- Good communication and presentation skills are needed as the incumbent will represent the Agency at meetings with MPCA leadership, stakeholders and legislators to provide general or site-specific technical information as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
- Thorough understanding of state and federal air monitoring regulations and the guiding principles and policies of air quality surveillance.
- Ability to troubleshoot complex 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.
- Ability to coach and mentor staff to develop technical skills and an overall understanding of air monitoring program goals and objectives.
- Good team building skills to work with agency staff, and with peers in local units of government, State and Federal agencies and stakeholders.
- Good project planning and management skills to develop initiatives, organize meetings, establish goals, 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
Driver's License Requirement
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.
Why Work For Us
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, and compressed schedules.
GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year. Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.