Job Description
Working Title: Stream Student Worker Senior Job Class: Student Worker Para Professional Senior Agency: Pollution Control Agency - Job ID : 90340
- Location : Brainerd
- Telework Eligible : No
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Limited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted : 12/01/2025
- Closing Date : 01/14/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-Insuff Wk Tm
- Division/Unit : Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / North Biological Monitoring Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
- Days of Work : Monday - Thursday, 10-hour days
- Travel Required : Yes
- Salary Range: $19.85 - $23.61 / hourly; $41,446 - $49,297 / annually
- Classified Status : Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrep
- End Date : 08/26/2026
- FLSA Status : Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No
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 *** This posting will be used to fill two (2) vacancies located in the Brainerd office. ***
Typically, incumbents in this role will leave to conduct field work on Monday morning and return on Thursday evening (from our Brainerd office).
They will be in travel status, working in greater Minnesota to assist the biological monitoring staff sample 150 to 300 sites in 3 to 6 major watersheds each field season. Lodging, state vehicle, and meals are provided.
The incumbent will provide field sampling and data recording skills to MPCA professional biologists to conduct biological, water quality, and habitat assessment of Minnesota streams.
Duties include:
Assist in collecting fish and invertebrates to assess overall condition of Minnesota's streams
Record and organize field data
Assist in conducting quantitative and qualitative habitat assessments at remote field sites
Biological monitoring sample processing
Trip and equipment preparation
To learn more about our Biological Monitoring Program, please click here . To learn more specifically about seasonal employment with the biological monitoring program, please click here .
This is great experience if you are interested in working outdoors and learning about the environment. You will become familiar with MPCA protocols for sampling fish, invertebrates, and numerous water chemistry parameters.
Work hours are typically Monday through Thursday, 10-hour days with overnight travel. Anticipated dates for work are June 2nd, 2025 through August 28th, 2025.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Candidates must be enrolled in secondary, post-secondary, or graduate study program in environmental studies, environmental science, water resources, conservation, chemistry, environmental engineering, or biology program working on an associates, bachelor's, or master's degree and have completed at least one year of post-secondary education in one of the programs listed above.
To be eligible for an appointment as a Student Worker Para Professional Senior, you must be enrolled in a post-secondary or graduate program and have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. Students may be "off" for the summer or for one semester/quarter and remain employed as a student worker, but such absences cannot exceed one semester/quarter in a year. If you are enrolled at a credit-granting institution, you 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, you must be taking two or more classes per semester/quarter. Any lesser credit (class) load will 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 including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. 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. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Preferred Qualifications Coursework in fisheries, aquatic ecology, and/or entomology
Coursework or knowledge in the identification of different species of fish, invertebrates, or aquatic ecology
Coursework or familiarity with the use of tablets or other devices used to record data electronically
Coursework or familiarity with common databases and the use of spreadsheets
Ability to work in a team environment yet independently when needed
Good communication 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 equipment to sites, launching boats, or portaging canoes. Frequently may need to lift and carry approximately 50 pounds in the water or over land. 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.
It is the policy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
- Conflict of Interest Review
- Criminal History Check
- Education Verification
- Employment Reference / Records Check
- License / Certification Verification where applicable
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 .
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
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Summer work, Seasonal work, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Monday to Thursday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Day shift, Afternoon shift,