Environmental Scientist (Air Quality)

Metropolitan Council•Regional Maintenance Facility (RMF) - Eagan, MN

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (ES) division is accepting applications for one (1) full-time Environmental Scientist. The Environmental Scientist - Air Quality (AQ) and Odor Monitoring will work in the ES Air Quality Monitoring Program. The Air Quality Monitoring Program monitors air quality associated with ES facilities to ensure permit requirements are met; assists in the control, optimization, and/or modification of system operations; and identifies and/or mitigates potential odor and air emissions problems. This qualified individual will monitor, sample, and characterize odors from odor control units at ES wastewater collection and treatment facilities, as well as assist with testing incinerator emissions and auditing continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or a related scientific field.
A valid driver's license is required.

Nice To Haves

One year of air quality monitoring experience (odor sampling, odor testing/odor characterization, stack testing, and/or auditing of continuous emissions monitoring systems), other environmental sampling experience (soil vapor, groundwater, or surface water), and/or compliance-related experience (following regulatory guidelines and requirements at the state or federal level).
Strong attention to detail.
Problem-solving skills.
Comprehension of technical data collected and reported.
Ability to follow technical and scientific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as they pertain to air quality monitoring areas.
Ability to write basic correspondence.
Technical reading skills to read and understand SOPs.
Basic mathematical skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Skills in data entry and internet research.
Experience working with diverse populations of internal and external customers.
Knowledge of environmental field monitoring and analytical procedures.
Knowledge of safety procedures related to field monitoring and handling of laboratory materials.
Knowledge of and skill in the use of air quality monitoring equipment, such as continuous monitoring equipment, stack testing equipment, odor sampling equipment, and olfactometers.
Ability to identify and troubleshoot issues that deviate from SOP.
Ability to perform basic to advanced troubleshooting and adjustments of tools and monitoring equipment.
Ability to complete data analysis using calculations, graphs, and tabulations.
Ability to meet required deadlines.
Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and skill in prioritizing/organizing work activities.
Ability to distinguish and characterize odors.

Responsibilities

Assist with air emissions monitoring of the incinerators at the Metro and Seneca water resource recovery facilities (WRRF's) as required by air quality permits.
Assist in the preparation for emissions testing and in performing emissions testing and laboratory analysis, ensure adequate testing equipment and supplies, and maintain and calibrate testing equipment.
Assist with permit-required audits and certifications of continuous emissions monitoring systems (opacity, total hydrocarbon-THC, and oxygen analyzers) at the Metro and Seneca WRRF's.
Develop and apply knowledge of applicable state and federal rules and regulations.
Collect odor samples from odor control units within the ES wastewater collection system and treatment facilities throughout the Metro Area to determine the ongoing effectiveness of these units for removing odors.
Assist with odor characterization of these samples in the AQ Odor Lab using an olfactometer and an odor panel of trained odor assessors.
Organize and report Odor Lab Data.
Monitor odors (primarily hydrogen sulfide) along and within the ES wastewater collection system and treatment facilities.
Organize and report monitoring data.
Calibrate and troubleshoot AQ monitoring equipment, maintain AQ monitoring supplies, help identify and evaluate non-standard monitoring results, and help develop processes to resolve monitoring problems.
Serve on ES ad hoc teams and provide support for other ES and AQ activities as necessary.
May include supporting opportunities to provide education and outreach on ES environmental monitoring efforts and environmental resource protection.
Perform related duties as assigned.