Job ID 91710: Air Quality Environmental Analyst - Laboratory Scientist 2
Working Title: Air Quality Environmental Analyst
Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 2
Agency: Pollution Control Agency
- Job ID: 91710
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 01/28/2026
- Closing Date: 02/18/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Pollution Control Agency / Pollution Control-MAPE
- Division/Unit: Environmental Analysis & Outcomes / Air Lab & Mobile Monitoring Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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
This position exists to work as a general analytical chemist to quantify Particulate Matter (PM), Total Suspended Particulates (TSP), Metals, Carbonyls, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in ambient air and is located in the Air Lab and Mobile Monitoring Unit. Duties include sample preparation, sample analysis, data processing, data analysis, interpretation, report generation and submittal. This position is the general analytical chemist responsible for the analysis and reporting of above analytes and serving as critical laboratory redundancy for the Ambient Air Monitoring Program.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree in chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related field and one (1) year of experience in analyzing samples with analytical instrumentation.
Candidates must have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with others across environmental programs and research activities.
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
A Master’s degree in analytical chemistry or a closely related field, or four (4) years of experience in analyzing environmental samples with analytical instrumentation.
Experience operating Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry platform(s) coupled to gas delivery systems capable of the preconcentration of volatile organic compounds.
Experience operating Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry platform(s) for particulate-bound metals analysis.
Experience operating High-Performance Liquid Chromatography platform(s) for carbonyls analysis, including pre-derivatization and extraction methods.
Experience operating analytical balances for weighing operations in a tightly controlled environment.
Experience operating in and following appropriate protocols for clean room laboratories.
Experience in a regulatory laboratory setting.
Experience working in a collaborative laboratory environment, including experience with intra-laboratory peer review.
In-depth understanding of laboratory safety and laboratory best practices.
Thorough understanding of the Clean Air Act and associated federal regulations, particularly those related to air quality standards.
Knowledge of scientific and experimental techniques sufficient to understand and conduct comprehensive and sophisticated scientific analyses.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such as articles as file folders, ledgers, and small laboratory and sampling 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.
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
Apply online at: https://mn.gov/mmb/careers. 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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this 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.
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.