Job Description
Working Title: Stream Fish Biologist Job Class: Environmental Specialist 1 Agency: Pollution Control Agency - Job ID : 82327
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 12/06/2024
- Closing Date : 12/26/2024
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
- Division/Unit : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / South Biological Monitoring Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes - Up to 40% of the time
- Salary Range: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status : Nonexempt
- 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 The incumbent will lead field crews conducting electrofishing surveys, habitat assessment, and water quality monitoring to assess the condition of Minnesota streams. The incumbent will lead a crew of 1-4 students to sample approximately 50 sites per year for fish, macroinvertebrates, habitat measurements, stream channel condition, and water chemistry in order to assess water quality of Minnesota's streams; the incumbent will lead a crew in order to recon stream sampling stations including obtaining landowner permission. The incumbent will help maintain field equipment, train seasonal field employees, and accurately record monitoring data in the field. The incumbent will assure that all data for the watershed they lead is entered and quality assured, and will lead the analysis and reporting on their lead watersheds. They will participate in pre-assessment data evaluation and analysis and are responsible for assessing the biological condition of streams and rivers using fish community data. Watershed sampling plans will be developed with internal and external partners, including preparing of materials for presentation or for local partner use to assist in the restoration and protection of Minnesota's waterbodies. The incumbent will coordinate unit activities related to accurate water chemistry data storage, conduct biological effluent reviews when requests fall in their lead watersheds, and complete permit applications and reports for the biological monitoring program.
The incumbent will travel Monday through Thursday across Minnesota leading fish survey crews in travel status. The field schedule starts in May and continues through early October, typically on a week on, week off basis in travel status. While traveling for fieldwork, meals and hotel stays are paid for by the state. State vehicles and equipment are provided.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field
OR
Two (2) years of environmental protection experience,
AND
Pass a fish identification test consisting of regional fishes of the Midwest.
Possess good communication and human relations skills to interact effectively with stakeholders and team members.
Ability to take direction, follow standard operating procedures, and independently complete assignments in a timely manner.
Obtain certification in trailering and boating within one month of the administered mandatory training - on the job training will be provided.
Possess a valid Driver's license (see additional requirements).
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 Field experience in fish community sampling methods, habitat assessment methods, and water chemistry sampling
A working understanding of how indices of biological integrity are developed and calculated.
Specific knowledge of Upper Midwest stream fish ecology, non-gamefish identification, and life history traits.
Familiarity with the use of database management tools for storage and manipulation of monitoring data.
Experience and/or course work using Survey123, GIS, Electronic data capture applications and GPS equipment.
Ability to effectively summarize scientific data in figures, graphs, and tables for technical reports.
Leadership experience in prior work, civic, or school projects.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with representatives of other government agencies and regulate parties.
Effective team working skills.
Physical Requirements Must be physically able to perform field work associated with monitoring projects. This may include loading/unloading vehicles and boats with field equipment, carrying monitoring equipment to sites, launching boats, or portaging canoes. Frequently may need to lift and carry approximately 50 pounds in the water or over land while wearing waders. Capable of moderate physical exertion in summer heat and sun.
Additional Requirements 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 driver's license record 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.
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
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