Job Description
Working Title: Air Quality Environmental Scientist Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 3 Agency: Pollution Control Agency - Job ID : 86772
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : No
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 06/11/2025
- Closing Date : 06/24/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
- Division/Unit : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / Air Laboratory and Mobile Monitoring Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : No
- Salary Range: $30.80 - $45.47 / hourly; $64,310 - $94,941 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes
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 Located within the Air Lab and Mobile Monitoring Unit, this position leads the full life-cycle of volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis in ambient air-from method development through final reporting. As the lead Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) environmental scientist, the incumbent designs and refines standard operating procedures (SOPs), prepares and analyzes samples, processes and interprets complex data, and produces regulatory-ready reports that quantify VOC concentrations posing risks to human, animal, and environmental health. Key duties include creating new analytical methods, optimizing and troubleshooting existing procedures, ensuring instruments perform to specification, and recommending equipment purchases. This role also oversees GC-MS instrument certification, maintains accreditation for VOC analysis, and trains junior and peer staff to promote consistency and excellence across the program.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications A Master's degree in analytical chemistry, environmental chemistry, or a closely related field
OR
A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related field and two (2) years of experience in analyzing environmental samples with analytical instrumentation.
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 operating Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry platform(s) coupled to gas delivery systems capable of the pre-concentration of volatile organic compounds.
Demonstrated experience in a regulatory laboratory setting.
Experience with other forms of Gas Chromatography, including continuous measurement devices.
In-depth understanding of laboratory safety and laboratory best practices.
Thorough understanding of the Clean Air Act and associated federal regulations, particularly those related to air quality standards.
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 laboratory and sampling 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.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Donovan Baugh at donovan.baugh@state.mn.us.
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Donovan Baugh at donovan.baugh@state.mn.us .
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.
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Work visa, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,