Local recruitment: Groundwater Modeler-Hydrologist 3

Working Title: Groundwater Modeler
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 78442
• 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: 7/13/2024
• Closing Date: 8/5/2024
• 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: No
• Salary Range: $34.18 – $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 – $105,840 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees / 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

This position provides technical analyses of the nature, distribution and use of groundwater modeling, aquifer test analysis, and other specialized hydrogeologic and hydrologic evaluations. Work is most often completed to support decision-making for groundwater appropriations permits. Specifically, the person in this position will review, update, and operate existing models, build and operate new models, review the suitability of models built by outside parties, prepare reports documenting work completed, and present modeling work to interested parties both within and outside of the DNR. Responsibilities include:

• Groundwater modeling in areas of current or potential groundwater use conflict to inform sustainable allocation, management, and protection of Minnesota’s groundwater supply.
• Developing conceptual site models to provide a platform for future development of site-specific groundwater flow models and guide data collection.
• Perform expert technical analysis for Water Appropriations Permit Program requests or in support of the Groundwater Technical Analysis workgroup, including groundwater technical reviews, aquifer test reports, and review of water supply plans.

This position may be eligible to telework on a full or part-time basis which is subject to 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, agricultural engineering, environmental engineering, geological engineering, hydrology, forest hydrology, geography, geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, natural resources, environmental studies, soil science, water resources management, hydraulics, environmental Science, earth science, or related major.
• Transcript requirement:

Additional qualifications:

• Four years of total professional experience with at least two years in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, geochemistry, or regulatory work. *An advanced degree in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Experience constructing and calibrating finite-difference and/or analytic element groundwater flow models.
• Experience collecting and analyzing surface water or groundwater data.
• Organizational skills to manage both data and work assignments.
• Working knowledge of geology, geologic mapping, groundwater, aquifer characteristics, hydrology and hydraulics, groundwater geochemistry, and groundwater monitoring and sampling field methods.
• Skills with geographic information systems (GIS) software (ArcGIS/ Arc Pro) sufficient to compile and analyze hydrologic and/or geologic data (i.e. identify trends, prepare geologic cross sections, and develop groundwater flow maps).
• Skills with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to draft technical reports, create presentations, and compile, analyze, and manage data.
• Ability to effectively present technical information and explain the results of analyses to other staff, local government, and the public.
• Experience with technical writing and drafting documents that are clear, organized, and grammatically sound.
• Ability to receive and provide peer review.
• Ability to understand water regulation, statutes, rules, and policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in a related field of study.
• At least one additional course in hydrogeology/groundwater hydrology.
• Experience collecting groundwater samples for water chemistry analysis utilizing pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity meters.
• Possess a Geologist in Training (GIT) certification or licensure as a Professional Geologist in Minnesota.
• Knowledge of aquifer test data analysis methods and experience analyzing data from aquifer tests.
• Experience using MODFLOW (or similar program) to address water sustainability issues.

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 this position, contact Jay Frischman at jay.frischman@state.mn.us or 651-259-5733.

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.