Local recruitment: Statewide Water Planner

• Job ID: 76759
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 5/17/2024
• Closing Date: 6/6/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, occasional
• Salary Range: $30.55 – $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 – $94,001 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Administrative
• 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Statewide Water Planner assists regional and program staff in managing water resources and implementing water management policy in areas where competing resources, conflicts and complex issues require a systematic approach with high levels of coordination and communication. This position will develop and implement local, regional, and statewide groundwater management plans and water allocation plans. The Statewide Water Planner will facilitate meetings and coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure effective water regulation, consistent with the DNR Mission Statement, the DNR Groundwater Strategic Plan, legal precedent, and Minnesota Rules and Statutes. The Statewide Water Planner will design strategies and recommend to project leadership how to interact with the public to inform, consult, involve, collaborate or empower with the goal of building trust and gaining informed consent toward water management and groundwater sustainability in Minnesota.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, public administration, hydrology/hydrogeology or a closely related field of study.
• Three years of professional experience in natural resource management, planning, or program administration.
• Demonstrated experience working on water resource issues, or closely related topics.
• Project management skills sufficient to efficiently lead projects, ensure timely completion of deliverables, organize and implement initiatives or programs, manage competing interests for time and funding and detect and remove project barriers.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing sufficient to write formal letters, technical reports, legislative briefings, policy statements, web content, informational brochures, and budget documents as a representative of the agency for a variety of audiences.
• Professional experience in conflict resolution, forming partnerships to achieve goals, and working collaboratively with partners to find solutions that benefit all members.
• Professional experience in problem-solving, prioritization of numerous tasks, and working concurrently with multiple stakeholder groups.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in natural resources, public administration, environmental science, hydrology/hydrogeology, or a closely related field of study.
• Knowledge of and experience working with water resources, water efficiency and water conservation best management practices, or experience working with public utilities, commercial, industrial or agricultural water users.
• Significant understanding and experience in laws, rules, policy and management of surface and groundwater resources in Minnesota.
• Data management skills, online reporting systems, complex spreadsheets and/or online forms.

Additional Requirements

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

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license 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 this position, contact Thomas Hovey at tom.hovey@state.mn.us or 651-259-5654.

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 Lucas Schulze at lucas.schulze@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.