Air Quality Environmental Scientist - Job ID 86772

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.

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.