Local recruitment: Public Water Protection Hydrologist - Hydrologist 2

Job ID: 76023

Location: Sauk Rapids

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state’s natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Job Details

Working Title: Public Water Protection Hydrologist – Hydrologist 2
Job Class: Hydrologist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 76023
• Location: Sauk Rapids
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/01/2024
• Closing Date: 05/21/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
• Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes – Required for field work and meetings.
• Salary Range: $28.50 – $41.93 / hourly; $59,508 – $87,549 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
• 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

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill a permanent full-time Hydrologist 2 position located in Sauk Rapids. This position ensures the sustainability of Central Minnesota’s Watersheds through the Department’s water management activities in the 10-county North District of the Central Region. The position will work with Public Water and Groundwater Protection as guided by MN Rules and ensure compliance with State Laws, Rules, and permits.  The position will also provide technical assistance to Local Units of Government on water-related land use matters.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure water resource projects conducted within public waters or appropriating water are completed and sustainable following applicable state statutes and rules.
• Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
• Conduct technical analysis and provide quality assistance to the public, local government units, and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations can be correctly interpreted. This includes quantitative as well as qualitative information.
• Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
• Lead in coordinating DNR resources with local, regional, and state land and water protection organizations and partnerships.
• Review formal environmental review documents and for steering project proposers to appropriate agencies and staff so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistently with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws and rules.

This position is required to do field work and attend occasional in-person meetings. The assigned work location is Sauk Rapids, with a flexible work arrangement that may include a partial telework agreement which is subject to approval and change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental or Agricultural Engineering; Forest Hydrology; Geography; Geology; Geophysics; Hydrogeology; Hydrology; Ecology; Natural Resources and Environmental Studies; Soil Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, or related major.

Transcript requirements: 

• Three qualifying hydrology courses in the areas of: Hydrology, Hydraulics, Hydrogeology/Groundwater Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrologic Modeling, Watershed Management, Groundwater, Fluid Mechanics, fluvial geomorphology; OR
• Two hydrology qualifying courses and two courses (or equivalent experience) in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils.

Additional qualifications: 

• At least 2 years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, geochemistry, or regulatory work. An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Understanding of hydrology, ecology, geology, hydraulics, engineering methods and modeling, watershed management, and natural resource management.
• Ability to resolve conflicts that arise between competing users of available water resource supplies.
• Ability to evaluate technical reports, provide critical reviews, make decisions, and solve water resource management problems.
• Knowledge of zoning principles.
• Ability to organize and present expert testimony for Departmental programs and policies.
• Understanding of waste management systems, including feedlots and individual sewage treatment systems.
• Understanding of erosion and stormwater control systems.
• Considerable knowledge of coordinated resource management, ecosystem management, and enforcement of laws and regulations.
• Ability to interact respectfully with coworkers and DNR cooperators.

Preferred Qualifications

These qualifications may hold additional value for the position but are not a required condition for application or consideration.

• Advanced degree in Environmental or Agricultural Engineering; Forest Hydrology; Geography; Geology; Geophysics; Hydrogeology; Hydrology; Ecology; Natural Resources and Environmental Studies; Soil Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, or related major.
• Experience in the underlying laws, rules, and policies that guide the Department’s water and related land use management programs and political processes.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. 

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

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 the position, contact Constance Holth at constance.holth@state.mn.us or 320-223-7842.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@state.mn.us. 

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.