Laboratory Scientist 1

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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

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

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.