Job ID: 76373
Location: St. Paul
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Job Details
Working Title: Hydrogeologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Job ID: 76373
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 05/08/2024.
- Date Posted: 05/02/2024
- Closing Date: 05/15/2024
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Division/Unit: Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Incident Response Unit Staff
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Not Applicable Shift
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes (up to 20%)
- Salary Range: $25.79 – $35.13 / hourly; $53,849 – $73,351 / 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: 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.
Job Summary
This position exists to provide the technical expertise to evaluate human health and environmental risks, review environmental investigations and determine appropriate soil, sediment, air, and groundwater cleanup goals and corrective actions at agricultural chemical incident sites and to provide related technical support to the Department.
Qualifications
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 Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Soil Science, Water Resources, Engineering or closely related degree AND at least two (2) courses in hydrogeology. All applicants who are invited to interview may be required to submit a copy of their college transcript(s) prior to the interview.
Knowledge and ability to:
- Analyze and interpret complex technical data and reports and evaluate the need for additional actions at incident sites,
- Understand and comply with complex sample collection, technical and administrative procedures,
- Effectively represent MDA before a variety of groups relative to social, economic and environmental issues,
- Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Good interpersonal skills to work effectively with colleagues and constituents, individually and in teams.
Knowledge and ability to:
· Analyze and interpret complex technical data and reports and evaluate the need for additional actions at incident sites,
· Understand and comply with complex sample collection, technical and administrative procedures,
· Effectively represent MDA before a variety of groups relative to social, economic and environmental issues,
· Communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing.
Good interpersonal skills to work effectively with colleagues and constituents, individually and in teams.
Good organizational, decision making and problem-solving skills.
Good working skills in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word and geologic and environmental software such as ArcMap and ArcGIS Pro.
Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
An advanced degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or a closely related degree and extensive coursework in hydrogeology, contaminant fate and transport and environmental chemistry.
Knowledge of the Minnesota Groundwater Protection Act, state and federal Superfund regulations, the Land Recycling Act and an understanding of the interrelationships of these laws and how they apply to agricultural chemical incident response.
Experience working with agricultural chemical environment cleanup sites and the Minnesota Environmental Response and Liability Act sites.
Knowledge of state and federal pesticide and fertilizer laws, rules and regulations.
Knowledge of state and federal litigation procedures and processes and knowledge of MDA enforcement procedures.
Direct experience (including farming experience) or significant training in the use and management of pesticides or inorganic fertilizers in an agricultural setting.
Physical Requirements
This position also requires occasional work in heavy dust, around agricultural chemicals, and entering buildings, warehouses, sales areas and cultivated fields to conduct inspections and investigations. This position must currently possess and maintain an active/valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review and be able to drive five (5) hours a day, if needed. This position requires sometimes difficult, physically demanding labor, occasionally long workdays, outdoor work in sometimes harsh conditions, and strict attention to details and protocol. The incumbent must be able to independently collect samples from wells in any season and to collect soil and other samples. This requires driving and hiking to sampling locations, manually bailing wells, collecting samples and carrying them to a vehicle and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Additional Requirements
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:
a. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
b. Employment Reference Check
c. Driver’s License Check
d. Conflict of Interest Review
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
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 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 Lee Zettler at lee.zettler@state.mn.us
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 Tracy Ohmann at tracy.ohmann@state.mn.us.
About Minnesota Department of Agriculture
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
· Protecting our food supply;
· Protecting our natural resources; and,
· Cultivating our agricultural economy.
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.Â
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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
