SAC Unit Supervisor - Research Scientist Supv 2

Working Title: SAC Unit Supervisor
Job Class: Research Scientist Supervisor 2
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 95270
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all eligible applicants.
• Date Posted: 08/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/01/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department 
• Division: Environmental Health
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $41.81 - $60.10 / hourly; $87,299 - $125,488 / annually
• Bargaining Unit: Middle Management Association (MMA)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

Join our dynamic team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) where your passion for public health can make a tangible impact on the well-being of Minnesotans. MDH is seeking a Site Assessment and Consultation (SAC) Unit Supervisor in our Environmental Health (EH) Division to provide administrative, policy, scientific, and technical direction, as well as supervision and operations management, in order to protect public health from releases of toxic agents where chemicals are spilled, used, or disposed. The SAC Unit evaluates health impacts of acute or chronic releases of hazardous substances, conducts community outreach and professional education to ensure communities and other stakeholders can understand and respond to health impacts of hazardous releases, and conducts research and publishes results of health studies and other investigations, contributing to knowledge of exposure and effects of environmental agents on human health.

Responsibilities Include:

• Supervise, direct, lead, and oversee the staff activities of the Unit by allocating resources and staffing to ensure that program initiatives are implemented, and goals and objectives are met.
• Direct and lead health assessment activities at National Priority List hazardous waste sites, unpermitted mixed waste facilities, and/or other sources of hazardous substances release and ensure follow-up activities on sites, including community and health professional education.
• Direct or assist in investigations of exposures and health effects of environmental contamination related to contamination sites.
• Engage in community meetings to convey public health risks of contaminants and other health related information.
• Partner with federal and state agencies to provide technical information on public health risk contaminants.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

This position is being reposted.  If you have already applied, you do not need to apply again.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper 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.

Four (4) years of experience in a public health setting which includes:

• Providing supervision, work direction, and training to staff.
• Environmental project and program management on contaminated sites.
• Providing expert consultation to leadership teams on public health risks of contaminants.
• Stakeholder communication and engagement on public risks of environmental hazards.

AND

Leadership and supervisory experience sufficient to demonstrate the following:

• Leading a team of professional staff engaged in program activities.
• Staff coaching, mentoring, development, supervision, and team building capability.
• Planning, organizing, and directing program functions including prioritizing tasks and delegating work to ensure productivity and quality.

A related degree will substitute for experience as follows: doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.  Experience through a related degree does not replace the required environmental health program management experience or specific minimum qualifications.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• The ability to independently demonstrate experience and knowledge in managing environmental health and hazardous substances programs and provide technical leadership in toxicology, exposure assessment, human health risk assessment and environmental epidemiology in public health.
• The ability to demonstrate knowledge of Minnesota environmental regulations and the respective roles of state public health and environmental agencies.
• The ability to communicate and present complex scientific and public health information clearly and effectively using risk communication principles to a wide range of audiences, including government officials, industry representatives, local public health agencies, community groups, the media, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in environmental science, toxicology, environmental epidemiology, pharmacology, or related field.
• Advanced knowledge of policies, practices, and principles as they relate to hazardous substance programs, environmental health research, toxicology, exposure assessment, current health risk assessment methods, and public health.
• The ability to synthesize and critically evaluate scientific literature.
• Knowledge of state regulations regarding environmental hazards and the role of public health and environmental agencies in Minnesota.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and an employment reference check,
• This position does not require a valid driver's license but does require occasional travel, which the candidate is responsible for meeting.

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 Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us or 651-201-4842.

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 Laura Jones at laura.m.jones@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us.

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

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
• 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.