Job ID: 60542
Location: St. Paul
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Job Details
Working Title: Hydrogeologist, Contaminated Sites
Job Class: Hydrologist 2 or Hydrologist 3
Agency: Health Department
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers and bidders simultaneously; interest bids will be considered through 03/20/2023.
- Date Posted: 03/14/2023
- Closing Date: 4/12/2023
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Health Department / Health-MAPE
- Division/Unit: Environmental Health / Site Assessment & Consultation
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day / 8:00am – 4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes – 25%
- Salary Range:
- Hydrologist 2: $27.01 – $39.74 / hourly; $56,397 – $82,977 / annually
- Hydrologist 3: $31.00 – $45.98 / hourly; $64,728 – $96,006 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary
Join the mission-driven team in Environmental Health as a Hydrologist 2 or Hydrologist 3 in our Site Assessment and Consultation Unit, advising toxicologists, health assessors, epidemiologists, and risk communicators on evaluation and communication of potential impacts of contaminants on public health. Responsibilities include providing hydrogeologic expertise in groundwater hydrology, fate and transport of environmental contaminants, and data collection and interpretation. You will also consult on aquifer and soil remediation at landfills, dumps, hazardous waste sites, and other sources, and conduct public outreach for contaminated sites.
Additional responsibilities for a Hydrologist 3 include acting as an expert consultant on hydrogeology, environmental transport, and remediation of hazardous waste sites for other programs in the Environmental Health Division and other government agencies. Your expertise will help ensure that state agencies responsible for site remediation are making decisions and setting policies that are scientifically sound, and protective of the health of all Minnesotans.
This position will have the option of some teleworking, however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. Schedule flexibility is required to accommodate occasional field work or to attend evening meetings. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.
NOTE: This posting will be used to fill one vacancy at either the Hydrologist 2 or Hydrologist 3 level, depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Hydrologist 2
•A Bachelor of Science degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, water science, geochemistry, environmental science, environmental health, engineering, or other closely related field with equivalent experience.
•Minimum of three years’ work experience* with geological mapping, groundwater flow analysis, interpreting well record and groundwater water quality data, and the independent preparation of reports and studies describing groundwater chemistry analysis and the subsurface movement of drinking water contaminants.
Hydrologist 3
•A Bachelor of Science degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, water science, geochemistry, environmental science, environmental health, engineering, or other closely related field with equivalent experience.
•Minimum of five years’ work experience* with geological mapping, groundwater flow analysis, interpreting well record and groundwater water quality data, and the independent preparation of studies or reports describing groundwater chemistry analysis and the subsurface movement of drinking water contaminants.
*A doctoral degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology or equivalent may substitute for two years of experience . A master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology or equivalent may substitute for 18 months of experience.
Additional minimum qualifications assessed during the interview process – Hydrologist 2 and Hydrologist 3
- Specific knowledge of Minnesota geology and an understanding of hydrogeologic characteristics of Minnesota
- Experience identifying groundwater contamination source areas, defining the extent of groundwater contamination plumes, and evaluating the transport of common groundwater contaminants
- Ability to creatively obtain, critically review, organize, and synthesize technical information from diverse sources into relevant recommendations and written reports
- Ability to use Microsoft Windows OS, and strong familiarity with scientific data management software and systems, and geographical information software and mapping tools
- Strong verbal and written communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
Additional minimum qualifications assessed during the interview process – Hydrologist 3 only
- Strong familiarity with hydrogeologic principles, development and testing of conceptual hydrogeological models, evaluation of hydraulic properties of aquifers and confining units, and hydrogeochemistry and contaminant transport
- Able to work independently for long time periods
Preferred Qualifications
Hydrologist 2 and Hydrologist 3
- Should possess general knowledge of the problems addressed by toxicologists, risk assessors, and epidemiologists
- Able to recognize and understand the potential spread of site-related toxic pollutants in multimedia environments
- Knowledge of and experience with general and spatial statistics as applied to environmental sciences
- Understand and effectively apply risk communication principles and theory in personal interactions, particularly with the general public
- Knowledge of Minnesota statutes governing groundwater protection
- Ability to organize and facilitate workgroups, public meetings and training sessions and lead discussions
- Experience using software for storing and retrieving geologic and groundwater quality information
- Experience developing and implementing an environmental sampling plan, including experience collecting a variety of environmental samples (surface water, groundwater, soil, air, etc.)
Additional preferred qualifications – Hydrologist 3 only
- Experience training or teaching environmental or science topics
- Licensed geoscientist in the state of Minnesota. Registration with the AELSLAGID Board as a professional geoscientist OR a licensed engineer with equivalent* experience and coursework OR ability to obtain licensure within the six-month probationary period
(*Equivalency of an engineer’s experience and coursework will be assessed at the time of an interview)
Physical Requirements
Hydrologist 2 and Hydrologist 3
- Physical ability to enter private residences, yards, or other sites to inspect and collect water samples
- May include moving equipment up to 20 lbs from ground to waist height
- Position self to reach for low and high actions, ascend stairs, navigate around objects, and travel on uneven surfaces or sloping ground, including snow covered ground, for up to a mile
- May require remaining stationary for typical office duties for several hours at a time
- Ability to travel throughout the state by reliable means to attend meeting and inspect sites. This employment does not require a driver’s license, but it does demand travel, which the incumbent will be responsible for meeting.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check.
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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about the position, contact Rebecca Lichter at [email protected].
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 Lichter at [email protected].
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 [email protected].
About Health Department
Our mission is protecting, maintaining and improving the health of all Minnesotans. Our vision is for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving and all people have what they need to be healthy.
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:
- 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
- 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
- 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
- 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
- Public pension plan
- Training and professional development
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 11 paid holidays each year
- Paid parental leave
- Low-cost medical and dental coverage
- Prescription drug coverage
- Vision coverage
- Wellness programs and resources
- Employer paid life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Health care spending and savings accounts
- Dependent care spending account
- Tax-deferred compensation
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
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.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations 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 [email protected] and indicate what assistance is needed.
