Job ID: 86171
Location: St. Paul
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state’s natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.
Job Details
Working Title: Database Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 86171
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes – Up to 50% per month
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 05/21/2025
- Closing Date: 06/10/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Ecological and 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 Assoc of Professional Empl/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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Database Hydrologist. This position provides a lead role in the operation and maintenance of statewide water monitoring, data management, and technical analysis programs. This position is the data administrator for the Water Monitoring and Surveys unit (WMS) serving as the unit’s technical lead on database management and application development to ensure data integrity. The position provides professional hydrologic, hydraulic and computer expertise to monitoring efforts, including collecting, analyzing, managing, developing and disseminating water quantity data. This position coordinates, reviews, and performs special studies and projects including data analyses and computer modeling. This position supports unit and field supervisors in providing direction to other staff.
Responsibilities Include:
- Lead worker for the operations and maintenance of the data assets employed in the Water Monitoring and Surveys unit providing technical lead on database management and application development to ensure data integrity and to facilitate workflow.
- Provide expert hydraulic and hydrologic analyses, review, recommend, and advise on water resource systems and projects, so that management decisions are consistent and based on the best available information. Prepare reports, training programs, presentations, articles, graphics and exhibits relating to water resource monitoring, management, and technical analysis so that appropriate data and information are provided to clientele.
- Operate and maintain DNR monitoring sites and manage data so that quality data is available for the management of surface water resources.
- Maintain a high level of competence in database, programming and GIS methods as well as modern water resource analysis methods by maintaining and upgrading professional expertise so that work products meet professional standards.
- Plan and coordinate with other state, federal and local agencies so that informational and data needs are prioritized, adequate baseline data is collected, and access to other data systems is maintained.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and 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 (or equivalent experience) in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils
Additional qualifications:
- 4 years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, geochemistry or regulatory work. An advanced degree in an appropriate major (see education requirements above) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
- Experience working with relational databases and hydrologic computer software with experience: managing time series data sufficient to import data; executing basic select and update queries; providing QA/QC on records; and maintaining archives and application health.
- Example applications include: WISKI, Hydrstra, Aquarius, PostGreSQL, Oracle, ArcPro, MS Excel, and commonly used hydrologic and database applications.
- Knowledge of stream flow monitoring practices and equipment, vertical land surveying methods, and hydrologic mapping.
- Experience with planning, organizing, and leading data coordination efforts that involve multiple parties and agencies.
- Experience with effective troubleshooting and problem-solving data inconsistencies, web and data-based errors and user support issues
- Skills with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to draft technical reports, create presentations, and compile, analyze, and manage data.
- Ability to develop and follow standards for hydrologic data integrity and quality assurance practices.
- 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.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree in a related field of study (see above).
- Skills in developing and maintaining database structures to support analytical functions for hydrologic data.
- Strong collaboration and leadership skills for coordinating with technical staff and guiding development and continuous improvement projects.
- Ability to evaluate and implement new technologies or approaches to improve data workflows.
- Experience leading and coordinating database operations and application development across diverse teams in a scientific setting.
- Experience with technical application development tools and data analytic languages (Python, R, Java, etc.).
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
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 Jeremy Rivord at jeremy.rivord@state.mn.us or 651-472-7498.
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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@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.
