Job Description
Job Details Working Title: Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) Specialist Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4 Agency: Health Department - Job ID : 83469
- Location : St. Paul
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 2/2/2025
- Date Posted : 01/28/2025
- Closing Date : 02/11/2025
- Hiring Agency : Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- Division/Unit : Environmental Health/ MN Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (MNLEAP)
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes, up to 25% of the time.
- Salary Range: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (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 Join a mission-driven team in the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation unit within the Environmental Health Division and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) Specialist, you will lead and conduct advanced scientific research to guide the Department in accrediting environmental laboratories that report CEC's analytical results to State and Federal environmental programs. This role is pivotal in ensuring that data on these contaminants, including Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), is accurate, defensible, and compliant with regulatory standards. The role will also encourage and support cross-program collaboration in the implementation of compliance policy and procedures for accredited laboratories. This position is funded by the Clean Water Fund to support activities related to CECs.
Primary responsibilities include: - Advise and guide the program on the accreditation of laboratories for Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) in environmental matrices in accordance with MN Statute 144.98.
- Facilitate business process documentation and translation of these processes for data system development,
- Ensure that accredited laboratories meet regulatory standards, technological assessments are accurate, and the latest regulations are implemented effectively,
- Develop policy and program processes based on federal Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), Clean Water Program, other Federal environmental programs, and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) rules and regulations.
This position will have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - Three years of experience in an environmental health or environmental regulatory program.
A master's degree in environmental health, public health, engineering, environmental science, or public administration may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience. OR A bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, engineering, environmental science, or public administration may substitute for twelve (12) months of experience. OR an associate degree in environmental health, public health, engineering, environmental science, or public administration may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview: - Ability to compile and analyze data and information from a variety of sources to make compliance and enforcement determinations.
- Ability to recognize, evaluate, and provide solutions for problems which affect public health.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; including the ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and effective manner, both verbally and in writing.
Preferred Qualifications - U.S Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) certificate for the certification of drinking water laboratories.
- Completion of courses in chemistry, or microbiology, or radiochemistry for certifying environmental laboratories.
- Knowledge of academic disciplines, including organic chemistry, general chemistry, environmental sciences, microbiology, physics, mathematics, and statistics.
- Familiarity with the structure, policies, and procedures of state and federal government related to air, land, or water regulation.
- Experience with federal regulations and national laboratory accreditation standards, including analytical methodologies and quality assurance practices.
- Technical knowledge and skills in preparing environmental samples, reagents, and references for standardized methods, along with operating sophisticated laboratory instruments.
- Experience conducting environmental compliance assessments of regulated facilities or collaborating with regulated parties to prepare for and respond to such assessments.
- Proficiency in software applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and database and laboratory management systems.
Physical Requirements Ability to transport up to 50 pounds.
Additional Requirements This position requires the successful completion of a background check.
This position does not require a valid driver's license, but it demands travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.
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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266 .
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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us .
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us
About Health Department Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction .
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
- 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, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,