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Job Details
Working Title: Field Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 86102
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 5/8/2025
- Closing Date: 5/28/2025
- 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, 60% of time for field work
- Salary Range: $26.95 – $36.71 / hourly; $56,271 – $76,650 / 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
The Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to hire a Field Hydrologist in St. Paul, MN.
This position assists with hydrogeological field investigations to support the County Groundwater Atlas program. Responsibilities of this position include:
- Assist with field work collecting water chemistry samples of groundwater, lake, and spring water.
- Assist with testing and field verification of wells and springs.
- Process and evaluate the data collected in the field, enter data in appropriate electronic formats and create reports as directed.
- Inventory and maintenance of field equipment and water sampling supplies.
- This position may also assist other units or work groups to carry out field work such as aquifer tests, surveying, groundwater level monitoring, and well drilling or maintenance.
This position requires overnight travel 3 to 4 days per week up to several times per month and 4 to 5 days per week up to several times per year during the field season. This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual 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:
- Three hydrology qualifying courses in the areas of: Hydrology, Hydraulics, Hydrogeology/Groundwater Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrologic Modeling, Watershed Management, Groundwater, Fluid Mechanics, Fluvial Geomorphology, OR
- Two hydrology qualifying courses and two courses in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils.
Additional qualifications:
- Technical knowledge of hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, and principles and practices of water resource management.
- Technical knowledge of land surveying, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, groundwater chemistry sampling procedures, and use of hydrologic monitoring equipment.
- Ability to use basic computer software (database, spreadsheet, and word processing applications) to compile, analyze and present hydrologic data.
- Skills with GIS tools (ArcMap or ArcPro) sufficient to compile and analyze hydrologic and/or geologic data.
- Skills with hand and power tools sufficient to complete field work and maintain field gear.
- Ability to safely handle and use potentially hazardous chemicals required for water chemistry sampling and analysis.
- Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate technical information to a variety of audiences and to maintain effective working relationships with managers, public, and team members.
- Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities in a safe manner by following correct work procedures and using required personal protective equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree in one of the above fields of study.
- Experience collecting groundwater samples for water chemistry analysis utilizing pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity meters.
- Experience collecting locations using engineering or survey grade GPS equipment.
- Experience using manual and automated water level measuring devices.
- Experience calibrating and maintaining water chemistry sampling equipment.
- Experience using ArcGIS or ArcPro to compile and analyze hydrologic and/or geologic data.
- Experience managing groundwater chemistry data, using MS Access, MS Excel, or the EQuiS database.
- Possess a Geologist in Training (GIT) or licensure as a Professional Geologist or Professional Engineer in Minnesota.
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 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 Vanessa Baratta-Person at vanessa.baratta@state.mn.us or 651-259-5685.
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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
