Local recruitment: Hydrologist 2 or 3

Job ID: 77942

Location: St. Paul

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Job Details

Working Title: Wellhead Protection Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 77942
• Location: St. Paul or Duluth
• 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 7/15/2024.
• Date Posted: 07/08/2024
• Closing Date: 07/22/2024
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health/ Source Water Protection
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: 
  • Hydrologist 2: $29.78 – $43.82/hourly; $62,181 – 91,496/annually
  • Hydrologist 3: $34.18 – $50.69/hourly; $71,368 – $105,841/annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status:
  • Hydrologist 2: Non-exempt
  • Hydrologist 3: 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

Join a mission-driven team at The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. Our Source Water Protection (SWP) Unit in Environmental Health is seeking a Wellhead Protection Hydrologist to support the development and implementation of wellhead protection plans for public water suppliers. The position has responsibility for ensuring that public water supply systems have wellhead protection areas and vulnerability assessments for their public water supply wells and drinking water supply management areas, as specified under the state wellhead protection rules.

In the Wellhead Protection Hydrologist role, you will primarily support the development of wellhead protection plans for public water systems in northeastern Minnesota, ensuring that systems have wellhead protection areas and vulnerability assessments for their wells and management areas, as required by state regulations. Additionally, you’ll provide support to Department staff and water suppliers on inquiries related to drinking water supply issues, such as alternate source evaluations, environmental reviews, and potential contaminant source inventories. This support also extends to technical studies and the implementation of wellhead protection plans and grants.

This vacancy is being announced at two different job classification levels: Hydrologist 2 and 3. Only one position will be filled, and the final job classification of the position will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications.

This position may have the option of teleworking based on the business needs and manager discretion. Commuting to the St. Paul office and other MDH office locations across the state may be required. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Hydrologist 2:

(2) years of working experience in groundwater hydrology, this experience must include two or more of the following:

• Hydrogeologic site characterization and assessment
• Interpreting well records & groundwater chemistry data
• Preparation of technical reports
• Groundwater modeling

AND

• Possess the education requirements for licensure as a Professional Geologist in Minnesota

*You must list the specific coursework on your resume or in your cover letter that meets this transcript requirement to be considered further:

*Transcript Requirements: 

Three hydrology qualifying courses in the areas of: Hydrology, Hydraulics, Hydrogeology/Groundwater Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydraulic 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.

Hydrologist 3:

(3) years of working experience in groundwater hydrology, this experience must include two or more of the following:

• Hydrogeologic site characterization and assessment
• Interpreting well records & groundwater chemistry data
• Preparation of technical reports
• Groundwater modeling

AND

• Registered Professional Geologist in Minnesota, or ability to obtain licensure within 12-18 months.

*A bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field will substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.

*A master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field will substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

*A doctoral degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering,  or engineering will substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing, to convey complex hydrogeological concepts and data to diverse stakeholders. 
• Human relations skills to achieve effective working relationships within the agency and externally.
• Ability to work independently and to organize work to address numerous competing priorities.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field.
• A Valid Driver’s License and ability to travel to worksites.
• Familiarity with northeastern Minnesota’s geologic formations and hydrologic systems.
• Strong familiarity with hydrogeologic principles, development and testing of conceptual hydrogeologic models, evaluation of hydraulic properties of aquifers and confining units, groundwater-surface water interactions, and hydrogeochemistry and contaminant transport.
• Experience conducting fieldwork in hydrogeologic investigations, including groundwater sampling, monitoring well installation, aquifer testing, and geological mapping.
• Ability to interpret geological maps, cross-sections, and drill core data to assess groundwater flow paths and identify potential aquifer vulnerabilities, particularly in fracture flow settings.
• Ability to plan, execute, and analyze data from an aquifer pumping test.
• Ability to assess the hydrogeologic impacts of mining operations, such as changes in groundwater levels, flow directions, water quantity, and water quality.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, various well drilling methods.
• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Windows operating system, and geographical information system (GIS) software, such as ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Knowledge of Minnesota statutes governing groundwater protection and the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors during all seasons.
• Able to lift as much as 20 pounds for short time periods.
• Able to frequently lift from ground to waist height, and from waist to shoulder height.
• Able to walk on even/uneven or sloping ground, including snow covered ground, for up to a mile.
• Perform gross and fine motor tasks, sometimes with unprotected fingers and hands, in varying indoor/outdoor temperature extremes.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

This position does not require a driver’s license, however it does demand travel which the candidate is responsible for meeting. 

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.