Local recruitment: Weather and Water Monitoring Hydrologist - Hydrologist 1

Job Details

Working Title: Weather and Water Monitoring Hydrologist 
Job Class: Hydrologist 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 83270
• Location: Rochester
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 01/202/2025.
• Date Posted: 01/14/2025
• Closing Date: 01/27/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division/Surface Water Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes (up to 40%)
• Salary Range: $26.95 – $36.71 / hourly; $56,271 – $76,650 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – Minnesota 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

This position will provide technical assistance, including installation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment, and support data collection and management for the Minnesota Agricultural Weather Network. This position will also aid with the coordination and collection of water quality samples from groundwater, surface water, and edge-of-field agricultural monitoring stations for the assessment of the impacts of agricultural chemicals on water resources in Minnesota. This position will also be responsible for reviewing, compiling, managing, and reporting data. This position will be based in the Rochester MDA Office and will be a member of the Surface Water Monitoring Unit.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Successful completion of at least two college level courses in meteorology, hydrology, hydrogeology, soil science, contaminant transport, earth science, water quality methods, or closely related courses. All applicants who are invited to interview may be required to submit a copy of their college transcript(s) prior to the interview.

Knowledge to install, maintain, or troubleshoot weather or water quality monitoring equipment, in rugged terrain.

Knowledge of common water quality sample collection methods, including the collection of groundwater or surface water samples.

A working knowledge and demonstrated ability to use common computer software used in scientific work including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, GIS and statistical software.

The ability to communicate one-on-one, write clear and concise technical reports, and represent MDA before a variety of groups relative to social, economic and environmental issues.

The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s or advanced degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, meteorology, environmental science, or a closely related degree.

Strong organizational, leadership, problem-solving, and project coordination skills.

Experience with the installation and maintenance of weather and water quality monitoring equipment including data loggers and sensors. 

A demonstrated ability of basic wiring, simple construction, troubleshooting, jobsite safety, trailer loading and towing, and experience using common tools. 

Experience related to completing specific tasks following established protocols including the installation of monitoring equipment installation and water quality sample collection.

Direct experience (including farming experience) or significant training in use and management of pesticides or inorganic fertilizers in an agricultural setting.

Practical experience developing and managing large data sets that could be used to conduct GIS analysis and/or climatic or hydrological modeling.

Physical Requirements

This position requires difficult physically demanding labor, long workdays, outdoor work in sometimes harsh conditions, and strict attention to details and protocol. This position requires heavy lifting, digging with shovels, building structures to deploy monitoring equipment with basic hand tools, assembling/troubleshooting equipment and sensors, negotiating trails through wooded, overgrown, or otherwise obstructed pathways which may be flat, but are also likely to be quite steep and occasionally rocky and muddy. This position requires work in physically challenging environments including cold, windy, wet, and snowy conditions during winter months, as well as rainy, hot or humid conditions in the summer. The person in this position must be capable of functioning to a high level of precision and accuracy in adverse weather conditions. The incumbent must be able to independently maintain weather stations and collect water samples in any season.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check.  It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency.  The background check may consist of the following components:

1. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
2. Employment Reference Check
3. Driver’s License Check
4. Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas.  All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

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 Careers Help Desk 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 Dave Tollefson at david.tollefson@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 Tracy Ohmann at tracy.ohmann@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture 

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check.  It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency.  The background check may consist of the following components:

1. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
2. Employment Reference Check
3. Driver’s License Check
4. Conflict of Interest Review

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas.  All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the 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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.