Working Title: Groundwater Modeler
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 88546
- 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: 9/16/2025
- Closing Date: 10/6/2025
- 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
- Salary Range: $34.18 – $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 – $105,840 / annually
- Job Class Option: Hydrogeology
- 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 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 or advanced 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:
- Two hydrogeology-qualifying courses* in the areas of: hydrogeology, groundwater hydraulics, contaminant transport, groundwater modeling, or equivalent.
- Geology coursework sufficient to quality for Professional Geologist licensure as described in MN Rules 1800.3910.
- *At least one of the qualifying hydrogeology courses must be a Groundwater Modeling course or equivalent.
OR
- Two hydrogeology qualifying courses* in the areas of: hydrogeology, groundwater hydraulics, contaminant transport, groundwater modeling, or equivalent and two geology qualifying courses in the area of: geomorphology, geochemistry, glacial geology, structural geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geologic mapping or equivalent.
- Educational requirements sufficient to quality for Professional Engineer licensure as described in MN Rules 1800.2500.
- *At least one of the qualifying hydrogeology courses must be a Groundwater Modeling course or equivalent.
Additional requirements:
- Four years total of professional work experience with at least 2 years surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, groundwater or surface water modeling, or related technical work. An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for 1 year of experience.
- Ability to build, calibrate, and apply finite-difference or finite-element groundwater flow models to solve complex problems.
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles of groundwater flow, aquifer testing, and geology, and the ability to apply those principles to complex hydrogeologic problems.
- Ability to use software, including geospatial software like ArcGIS Pro and/or ArcGIS to compile, analyze and present hydrologic data.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member and consistently conduct oneself in a cooperative and courteous manner.
- Ability to follow policies and procedures, including accepting and implementing peer review.
- Ability to present technical information and findings to the public, peers, and management.
- Ability to write technical documents so all portions of report can be understood by technical and non-technical audiences.
- Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities in a safe manner.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree in one of the disciplines listed above.
- Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Professional Geoscientist or Professional Engineer in Minnesota.
- Additional course(s) in hydrogeology.
- Skill and work experience building, calibrating, and applying finite-difference or finite-element groundwater flow models to complex problems.
- Skill and work experience using MODFLOW-NWT, MODFLOW-USG, and/or MODFLOW 6.
- Skill and work Experience using PEST and/or PEST++ for model calibration, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty assessment.
- Skill and work experience using Python or another commonly used scripting language.
- Knowledge of current numerical groundwater flow modeling and calibration methods and techniques.
- Skill and work experience testifying in public hearings or court cases or presenting controversial groundwater projects in public meetings.
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 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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
