Specialist

Description:

This position will facilitate program development related to safer product chemistry, green chemistry and toxic pollution prevention specifically for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Also known as forever chemicals, PFAS are a class of chemicals numbering in the thousands, with a myriad of uses in a wide variety of products. Tracking the uses of PFAS and driving their replacement with safer options are one of the primary challenges facing the MPCA and Minnesota’s environment and health. You will be part of a small but talented team of policy and technical experts to establish rules and plan work for a new PFAS in products reporting and prohibition law that is breaking new ground in efforts to reduce PFAS pollution. The law was passed by the State legislature during its 2023 session and will require manufacturers to report intentionally added PFAS in their products. It will also ban use of PFAS in 11 categories of products in 2025 and ban all PFAS in products by 2032, with some exceptions determined by the MPCA. You will support the work of the team to establish the program by providing the research and assistance needed to make decisions. You will conduct literature research, assist with stakeholder work, and perform tasks needed to support decision-making and the rulemaking process. You will also assist with setting up a database for reporting and with program evaluation and measurement. Once the program is established, you will work to conduct product sampling and testing to determine compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree in environmental protection or related science field AND one year of professional experience in environmental protection, environmental science, chemistry, life sciences, or related fields.