Air Quality Scientist/Engineer – Entry Level - Emissions Monitoring Focus

The role – what you’ll do 

Barr’s air quality testing and monitoring group is seeking motivated individuals to join its team in tackling challenging projects across the air quality field. This group provides innovative solutions to meet the air quality testing needs of Barr’s mining, fuels, power, and manufacturing clients. The person in this role will sample, analyze, monitor, and report emissions of various air sources to support our clients in meeting regulatory permitting and compliance requirements.

A successful candidate for this position is looking for a balance between hands-on and desk work and is eager to travel to new places across the United States. The ideal candidate enjoys working outdoors in various weather conditions at various industrial sites and facilities while always maintaining a safety-first mindset. This person is comfortable performing their testing and monitoring duties at heights of approximately 100 feet or more (see physical requirements portion for more details). We are looking for someone who is self-motivated and works well in teams. They are also interested in professional development and growing into a project manager role.

Your impact – key responsibilities 

• Fieldwork: conducting and managing air-emissions sampling at industrial facilities. Mobilizations are typically multiple days long (a standard workweek or less), on-site with clients, and emphasize safety and data quality.

• Reporting: summarizing data collected from field sessions and compiling reports for submission to clients and regulatory authorities.

• Client relations: communicating and working with clients to fulfill their needs while on site, in addition to providing regulatory support remotely.

• Equipment: maintaining and repairing the team’s equipment at the shop and while in the field. This commonly consists of cleaning laboratory glassware, calibrating critical equipment used for sampling, and conducting or coordinating equipment repair.

• Project preparation: planning and preparing equipment for mobilizations as well as demobilizing and/or turning equipment around for the next project.

• Driving: preparing and driving a company pickup truck and trailer to client sites for field sessions (training provided, all rigs are less than 26,000-pound combinations).  

• Communication: communicate questions, progress, and potential issues to project teams early and clearly.

About the opportunity

• Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position is based out of Barr's Edina or Hibbing, Minnesota, offices.

• Travel expectation: 40–60% of your time, travel may vary based on project, client, and office location.

• Work environment: applicants must be able to work in locations that feature rough terrain typical of industrial and construction sites and to enter and work within facilities that include limited accessibility, moving machinery, and other conditions typical of industrial facilities. An OSHA-mandated physical check or exam may be required; safety training will be provided.

About you – required core competencies 

• Education: bachelor’s degree in a science or engineering-related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience:

  • Fieldwork experience through internships, relevant coursework, or other related roles.

  • Laboratory/chemistry experience or relevant coursework.

  • Experience with Microsoft Office and Excel.

  • Mechanical aptitude, whether personal or professional (e.g., calibrating lab equipment, use of standard hand tools, mechanical hobbies).

  • Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.

• Travel: availability and willingness to regularly travel up to 60 percent of the time, with the potential for greater levels of periodic travel to meet client needs.

• Physical requirements: this position involves substantial fieldwork in outdoor environments on active client sites. Physical demands vary by project location and assignment but regularly include walking, climbing stairs/ladders, lifting, carrying, bending, reaching, and standing for extended periods. Essential physical requirements of the position include:

• Ability to safely lift, carry, move, and position equipment weighing up to 70 pounds, including moving equipment overhead, with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Ability to safely work at elevated heights, including work platforms, structures, or roof tops of approximately 100 feet or more above grade, with or without reasonable accommodation. (Fall protection training and equipment provided when applicable.)

• Ability to traverse uneven terrain and work in varying outdoor weather and environmental conditions.

• Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record. Willing and able to meet DOT physical requirements for driving company pickups and trailers, generally ranging from 10,000 pounds to 26,000 pounds (these are larger pickups and trailers, but not as large as a semi-truck and trailer).

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• Working knowledge of air-emission test methods.

• Experience with air-emission sampling equipment and conducting air-emission stack tests.

• Experience evaluating environmental data and preparing reports.

• Experience driving a pickup truck and trailer. Note: training will be provided in this role on how to tow a trailer with a truck, but all must be willing and able to learn.

Compensation: Anticipated range of $54,000–$66,000 annual salary. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as Exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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Benefits - what we offer

We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care

• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock

• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders

• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities

• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave

• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.

About us - why choose Barr

At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.

As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.

To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture

Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.