Student Worker - Student Worker Para Prof

Working Title: Student Worker
Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/07/2024
• Closing Date: 02/20/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Watershed / Northwest Watershed Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 60% of the time
• Salary Range: $16.82 - $19.69 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• End Date: 3/01/2027
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position exists to perform water quality and flow monitoring assistance, data entry and assistance to Stressor Identification (SID) staff. Incumbent will provide technical support to professional staff working to assess the water quality and the stressors of lakes and streams. Broadly, the role of the students will be to assist professional staff in the work needed for flow monitoring, stressor identification and the Total Maximum Daily Load activities. The student may also work with local governmental and project personnel including citizen volunteers in the course of this work.

Minimum Qualifications

Post-secondary education student working on an environmental degree or related degree.

(To be eligible for appointment as a Student Worker you must be a student enrolled in an educational program or planning to enroll within three months. Students may be “off” for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as student workers, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. As a student you must be enrolled in high school or in a postsecondary or graduate program. If a student is enrolled at a credit-granting institution he/she must carry at least six semester (nine quarter) credits. If enrolled at a non-credit granting institution or one that only offers one credit per class, a student must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load shall be treated as a semester/quarter off. Graduate students must be enrolled in at least two courses or making progress on a dissertation. You will be asked to complete an Educational Verification form prior to appointment.)

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

The student should have/be working towards a major in Biology, Hydrology, Limnology, Natural Resource Management or other environmental or biological science. Coursework in hydrology, environmental engineering limnology, water chemistry, watershed science and aquatic ecology is preferred. Experience acquired in field survey techniques and sampling methods beyond that of class work will be preferred.

Experience or training in statistics and good data entry skills.

Good communications, customer service, and writing skills are helpful.

Ability to work in a team setting and independently, as needed.

Physical Requirements

Be able to perform field work associated with monitoring projects. Frequently carry up to 40 lbs of equipment from vehicles to monitoring well sites. Should be 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 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.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the 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.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.