**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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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. 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._ **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. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.