Laboratory Scientist 1

Job Details

Working Title: Laboratory Scientist 1
Job Class: Laboratory Scientist 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 93534
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to bidders and to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 04/15/2026
• Closing Date: 04/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Laboratory Services Division / Water Analysis Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / 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: 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 will perform pesticide analysis of routine, non-routine and rush water samples using established methods in the Water Analysis Unit in the Laboratory Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). Responsibilities include extracting samples, analyzing and interpreting data, performing standard validations, developing and modifying methods, and investigating and validating new emerging analytes for both GCMSMS and LCMSMS analytical methods under the laboratory’s ISO17025 scope of accreditation. This work supports the MDA’s water monitoring program and clean water legacy projects by increasing the capability and capacity of the Laboratory Service Division.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in chemistry or closely related field.

Or

One year of previous experience working in an environmental laboratory or closely related laboratory performing pesticide extractions of water samples.

Additional Required Experience:

• Knowledge of the principles, procedures and techniques of analytical chemistry and quality control, sufficient to carry out complex chemical analysis for environmental water samples.
• Experience following complex oral and written directions, formulas and charts.
• The ability to effectively communicate technical information orally and in writing to a variety of audiences.
• The ability to use computer software including Microsoft Excel and Word to navigate spreadsheets, perform basic statistical analysis and write and edit technical documents.
• Strong time management and organizational skills to manage and prioritize a large volume of samples and complete tests by due dates.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience working in an environmental laboratory or closely related laboratory performing pesticide extractions of water samples.

Prior experience using automated extraction techniques.

Prior experience using analytical instruments such as GC, GCMS, LC, LCMSMS.

Prior experience working in an ISO17025 laboratory environment.

Prior experience using LIMS database.

Physical Requirements

This position exists in an analytical laboratory. As such, all potential safety hazards associated with this type of environment are assumed to be present. Hazards such as chemical exposure, hot surfaces, compressed gases and mechanical hazards exist in this section. This position must be comfortable working around these hazards and have sufficient knowledge to recognize and prevent harm to themselves or others. This position must be able to function in this environment and must be comfortable wearing personal protective gear.

Additional Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Becky Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us or 651-201-6407.

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 Rebecca Hierlinger at becky.hierlinger@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture

(Include brief description of agency - limit to two sentences)

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 <Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for 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.