Local recruitment: Environmental Specialist 3 or 4

Job ID: 77257

Location: St. Paul

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Job Details

Working Title: Hydrogeologic Data Specialist 
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 3 or 4
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 77257 
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers, bidders will be considered until 6/13/2024.
• Date Posted: 06/06/2024
• Closing Date: 06/20/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health/Source Water Protection Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% of the time.
• Salary Range: 
• Environmental Specialist 3: $26.64 – $39.06 / hourly; $55,624 – $81,557 / annually
• Environmental Specialist 4: $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: 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

Join a mission-driven team in the Source Water Protection Unit of Environmental Health and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. In the Hydrogeologic Data Specialist role you will provide overall coordination for data management activities within the Source Water Protection (SWP) unit and the Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section. The Source Water Protection Program is a major program within the water resources management framework of the State, and it produces and works with a variety of hydrogeologic and natural resource data. Its staff regularly use groundwater flow models, produce, and analyze spatial data, coordinate on management of state subsurface data systems, and oversee compliance data related to regulatory activities. Program outputs are generally made available to partners in the form of data, information, and services.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Ensure that appropriate business processes are in place to collect, store and manage SWP hydrogeologic, chemical and geographic program data for optimal quality control and assurance.
• Oversee interagency coordination efforts with state information technology specialists on data storage and accessibility.
• Manage an in-house, file-based spatial data archive that provides support to SWP Unit technical staff and others in the department.
• Assist with internal application development and code revision to existing applications.
• Coordinate interagency data sharing and governance for SWP program needs.

The location of this position is St. Paul, MN, however candidates residing in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota may have the option to telework; telework schedules are based on the Unit’s operational needs and are at the supervisor’s discretion.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Resumes must clearly reflect the below minimum qualifications to be considered:

Environmental Specialist 3:

Two (2) years of data management experience with water quality data or closely related field.

Environmental Specialist 4:

Three (3) years of data management experience with water quality data or closely related field.

*A bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, physical geography, environmental science, natural resources, information technology or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

OR

*A Master’s degree in in geology, hydrogeology, physical geography, environmental science, natural resources, information technology or a related field may substitute for 18 months of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications assessed during the interview process:

• Demonstrated knowledge of principles of hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, geochemistry, water quality, public health, and well construction.
• Demonstrated ability to plan or administer an environmental health, drinking water protection, or closely related program.
• Oral communication skills sufficient to present data, facilitate discussions, and communicate technical and sensitive issues to a variety of audiences.
• Organizational skills sufficient to identify priorities and coordinate team activities so that essential work is completed in an appropriate and timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, physical geography, environmental science, natural resources, information technology or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience with management and analysis of GIS data and knowledge of ArcGIS software.
• Experience with global positioning systems (GPS) locational data.
• Familiarity with relational database systems, used to manage both spatial and tabular hydrogeologic data.
• Knowledge of basic code development and querying databases using SQL, Python, Jupyter, Javascript, or other scripting systems as applied to water resource data management and analysis.
• Experience with data visualization with software such as Tableau.
• Familiarity with spatial data management. 
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office software products.

Physical Requirements  

Ability to lift files, equipment, or samples weighing as much as 20 pounds

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference 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 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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266.

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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us.

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 health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

About Health Department 

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

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.