Working Title: Air Quality Forecaster and Air Dispersion Modeler
Job Class: Research Scientist 2
Agency: Pollution Control Agency

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/28/2023
• Closing Date: 05/11/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
• Division/Unit: EAO AAS RiskEval&AirModelUnit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.96 - $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 - $89,094 / annually
• Job Class Option: Air Quality
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Locations: St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Brainerd, Mankato, Marshall
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• The incumbent will be required to work 8 hours each day on Saturday & Sunday approximately every four weeks.

**This position is eligible for full time telework.

***This position may be be located at one of the MPCA office locations: Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Detroit Lakes, Rochester, Marshallor Mankato.

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 provide daily air quality forecasts for statewide and national reporting of the Air Quality Index (AQI) and to provide oversight of facility air dispersion modeling. This position works in close rotation with other unit air quality forecasters to provide daily monitoring observation analysis, model analysis and development, and submittal of statewide air quality forecasts. These forecasts are also used to determine and issue air quality alerts as needed. The forecasts and alerts are used state and nationwide to allow citizens and organizations to make informed decisions and to give the MPCA and other state agencies early information regarding air quality events so appropriate precautionary measures can be implemented.

This position will also evaluate and interpret regulatory computer dispersion models of assigned facilities that emit criteria pollutants and other toxic pollutants to the air to ensure that existing and proposed industry sources will be operated in such a way as to prevent significant deterioration to Minnesota's air quality. The incumbent conducts the technical review and approval of air dispersion modeling analyses required by the Federal Clean Air Act, specifically for determining compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) of Air Quality, Minnesota air modeling policy and State Implementation Plan (SIP) requirements and Minnesota air toxics policy. The incumbent also provides technical support on air dispersion modeling methods, policy, and regulatory areas to division and agency staff, the public, industry, environmental groups and others.

Minimum Qualifications

Position requires a broad range of technical and organizational skills, knowledge and abilities with respect to air dispersion modeling and the state and federal air regulatory program. The incumbent must possess knowledge of atmospheric transport and removal processes of pollutants, state and federal air regulatory programs, principles related to air resources, air dispersion, meteorology, and application of atmospheric dispersion models.

Requires a Master's degree in the sciences, atmospheric science, meteorology or environmental, chemical, civil engineering with experience and/or training in applying principles of air pollution, meteorology, fate and transport of chemicals in environment, and atmospheric processes within the context of federal state environmental laws, regulations and guidance.

OR

A bachelor’s degree in the sciences, atmospheric science, meteorology, or environmental, chemical, or civil engineering and two years of experience applying principles of air pollution and regulation, meteorology, fate and transport of chemicals in environment, and atmospheric processes within the context of federal state environmental laws, regulations and guidance.

Candidates must also possess good communication skills.

Ability to work effectively with peers and fellow team members.

Ability to analyze, organize and present information and develop recommendations in concise written form and through effective presentation.

Preferred Qualifications

BS or MS in atmospheric science or meteorology

Experience in applying regulatory air dispersion models.

Experience in meteorological forecasting.

Experience in using statistical tools, geospatial analysis & applying GIS tools to evaluate environmental issues.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small 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.

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 Kristi Streff at kristi.streff@state.mn.us or 651-757-2122.

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 Kristi Streff at kristi.streff@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.