Technician I

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

The Environmental Services division is accepting applications for a Technician I (Long-Term Temporary, up to two years) benefits-eligible position.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

As a Technician I for the Water Resources department, you will have the opportunity to canoe, boat, conduct water quality sampling and gain exposure to a broad spectrum of water resources work performed by our unit ranging from monitoring and assessment, to planning and policy. You will work closely with Survey123 application and the WISKI database in this position managing the data being collected in the field.

This role is ideal for someone interested in continuing in the water resources field. Familiarity to equipment used and methods to professionally conduct monitoring will be an asset to future job applications. Additionally, you will be part of a full planning cycle here at the Council. You can see how monitoring data turns into information from assessments, which informs planning efforts and measures success of our policies.

Spring, Summer, Fall:

• 2-3 days a week conducting lake/river boat monitoring as part of a 2-person boat operator crew
• Lake program support: equipment kit prep and delivery in the Spring to our ~30 partners, sample pickup/processing for lab submittal for 150-200 sites per year
• Other monitoring support as needed: stream/river biological monitoring, continuous river monitoring site cleaning and calibration, routine or event stream/river grab sampling backup

Winter:

• Winter grab sampling with rivers/streams which require 2-person crews for ice safety
• Historical database migration projects working with Excel files and formatting for import into WISKI database
• Logistical support for Subregional Workgroup meetings led by planning staff (task examples could include meeting equipment setup, tear-down, note capturing/entry)

Any of the following combinations of education and relevant experience:

• Completion of technical/vocational laboratory technician training program OR completion of two (2) semesters of college-level chemistry, hydrology, biology, or environmental studies
• High school diploma/GED and two (2) years of experience in associated sciences or scientific analytical procedures.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience with safe canoeing, motorboat operation, and watercraft launching/trailering (training will be provided on the job)
• Experience conducting field work in outdoor environments
• Experience operating, maintaining, and calibrating water quality meters/sensors for data collection
• Ability to seek out other perspectives, engage and collaborate with our internal MCES teams, state/federal agencies, watershed organizations, and local community partners in water resource monitoring and assessment activities.

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Ability to read and interpret simple instructions. Ability to write basic correspondence. Ability to effectively work with small groups of customers or clients.
• Ability complete analytical data analysis using calculations, graphs and tabulations.
• Strong attention to detail and comprehension of the collection and reporting of technical data.
• Ability to effectively monitor field activities and troubleshoot problems, with a logical approach to problem-solving.

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Union/Grade: AFSCME Grade B
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Enviorment
Primary work is performed in a laboratory setting including possible exposure to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals as well as heat, wet, humid conditions and possible exposure to electric shock.

Physical Requirements: Regularly required to stand, walk and sit, speak, hear normal conversation and telephone ring tones, operate office and laboratory equipment, reach with hands/arms frequently below chest height and occasionally overhead, must regularly lift/carry/push/pull up to 10 pounds (and occasionally up to 50 pounds in the water quality monitoring program), must have adequate close vision for reading and computer work.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.