- Job ID: 88479
- Location: Various
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Job Details
Working Title: Surface Water Monitoring Unit Supervisor
Job Class: Hydrologist Supervisor
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Job ID: 88479
- Location: Various
- 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 09/02/2025.
- Date Posted: 08/26/2025
- Closing Date: 09/15/2025
- 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 10%)
- Salary Range: $37.60 – $54.16 / hourly; $78,508 – $113,086 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 – Middle Management Association (MMA)
- FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive
- 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 be located in the St. Paul, Rochester or Mankato agency office and may have the option to telework.
This position exists to provide supervision and technical direction to the Surface Water Monitoring Unit in the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division. The incumbent will propose, plan, design, coordinate and lead surface water, edge of field and other monitoring programs and projects for assessment of pesticides and fertilizers in water. This position will provide leadership for data analysis and reporting of monitoring data and related activities to ensure it is conducted in a timely and scientifically defensible manner consistent with enabling statutes, mandates, and management instructions. The incumbent will supervise hydrologists working on various agricultural and environmental issues and will represent MDA on technical issues in meetings, hearings and other public activities.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelors in hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental science, water science, water resource management or a closely related field.
Three years professional experience as a hydrologist (an advanced degree in one of the referenced fields may substitute for one year of experience) which includes extensive experience and knowledge on the design, installation and operation of water monitoring equipment and associated data analysis and reporting.
Supervisory or lead worker experience directing the work of professional employees.
Advanced specialized knowledge of surface water monitoring equipment and methodology, monitoring system design, sample collection, quality control and associated data analysis.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Extensive knowledge of agricultural chemical (pesticides and fertilizers) fate and transport in the environment and methods used to assess and interpret monitoring data.
An advanced degree in hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental science, water science, water resource management or a closely related field.
Extensive coursework in hydrology, hydrogeology, agriculture, contaminant fate and transport, computer modeling, environmental chemistry, and statistics.
Extensive communication experience involving the presentation of complex water quality data in potentially controversial and sometimes hostile public situations.
Direct experience, including farming experience, or significant training in the use and management of pesticides and fertilizers in an agricultural setting.
Practical experience developing and managing an electronic data management system; and experience managing projects and budgets.
Physical Requirements
The incumbent must be able to independently collect samples from remote monitoring locations in any season over rough, rocky, muddy, and overgrown terrain. This may require driving and hiking to remote locations, manually collecting samples and carrying them to a vehicle, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
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:
- SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
- Employment Reference Check
- Driver’s License Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
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
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.
Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.
Our three general areas of responsibility include:
- Protecting our food supply;
- Protecting our natural resources; and,
- Cultivating our agricultural economy.
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.Â
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.
