Working Title: Groundwater Researcher
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 01/17/2024
Closing Date : 02/20/2024
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
Division/Unit : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / Environmental Analysis & Groundwater Services
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $35.13 - $52.25 / hourly; $73,351 - $109,098 / annually
Job Class Option : Groundwater
Classified Status : Classified
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Telework Eligible : Yes - Full-time telework eligible
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
*This position may be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall or Mankato.
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Job Summary
This position exists to lead groundwater-surface water interaction research for the MPCA, and to provide technical expertise on numerical groundwater modeling. The first responsibility of this position is to utilize the Sentinel Lakes surface and groundwater monitoring network and similar networks and data sets to conduct research on groundwater-surface water interactions, including climate change related effects. The second responsibility of this position is to serve as a technical expert for the Agency on rulemakings directly related to, or that may have impact on, Minnesota’s groundwater resources. The third responsibility of this position is to provide technical support to projects involving numerical groundwater modeling, as needed by other programs across the Agency.
Minimum Qualifications
A Master of Science degree in hydrogeology, geology, geophysics, environmental engineering, water resources, natural sciences, or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience investigating shallow groundwater behavior, modeling subsurface flow and/or aqueous geochemical processes, and developing conclusions and recommendations. A Doctoral degree in one of those areas of experience listed above will count towards one year of experience.
Candidates must have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others across environmental programs and research activities.
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
Experience with analytical and numerical groundwater modeling methods.
Experience evaluating time series data.
Geostatistics expertise.
Experience interpreting and modeling aqueous geochemistry.
Familiarity with the surficial and bedrock geology of Minnesota.
Familiarity with water quality sensors including quality control and analysis of water quality sensor data.
An understanding of the Clean Water Act and associated federal regulations, particularly those related to water quality standards.
Experience with developing water quality standards to protect human health.
Knowledge of scientific, experimental and research techniques sufficient to understand, design and conduct comprehensive and sophisticated scientific research.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such as articles as file folders, ledgers, and small equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.
Additional Requirements
Position duties may require travel but driving is not a minimum qualification or essential function of this position. Employees who may drive for state business will need their driver’s license checked prior to operating a state vehicle.
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.