Job Details
Working Title: Surface Water Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 88462
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid up to 50%
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 9/30/2025
- Closing Date: 10/20/2025
- 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: Yes
- Salary Range: $29.78 – $43.82 / hourly; $62,180 – $91,496 / 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
This posting is intended to advertise for two vacancies.
These positions exist to provide expertise on hydropower and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issues and proceedings in Minnesota; promote the State and Federal Dam Safety Program inside and outside the DNR (especially as it relates to Emergency Action Plans); provide expertise on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, especially as it relates to dams; inspect dams; ensure dam owners are in compliance with permit requirements and dam safety regulations; assist with environmental reviews of dam; coordinate outreach, information development, and education efforts for the Dam Safety Program; and provide expertise on Dam Safety and hydropower issues as they relate to sound watershed decisions on a state-wide basis.
Responsibilities include:
- To provide expertise on hydropower and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issues and proceedings so that Division surface water management goals and priorities are met.
- To provide expertise on FEMA Dam Safety and grant priorities, ensuring that Divisional goals and priorities are met. To develop, review, and provide oversight on hydrologic, hydraulic, and dam break models, inundation maps, and Emergency Action Plans to define the land area and any residences that would be flooded by various rainfall and dam break events.
- To inspect and assess the condition of dams.
- To review permit applications and to monitor permittee compliance with Dam Safety permit special provisions to ensure that permit-required conditions have been met and documented.
- To assist with projects as assigned so that section priorities are met.
- To collect, organize, and manage data on dams.
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.
Overnight travel of one or two nights four to six times per year is needed to conduct dam inspections that are a long drive from Saint Paul.
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:
- 2 years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning or regulation, or related technical or regulatory work. An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
- Hydrologic and hydraulic knowledge sufficient to understand rainfall runoff and surface water flow in rivers.
- Organizational skills to manage both data and work assignments.
- Proficiency in software use including HEC-RAS, database, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing applications to compile, analyze, and present hydrologic and hydraulic data.
- Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member and consistently conduct oneself in a cooperative and courteous manner.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.
- Possess a license or the educational requirements for licensure as a Professional Engineer in Minnesota.
- Three or more years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning or regulation, or related technical or regulatory work.
- Experience in non-HEC hydraulic models.
- Experience observing construction and inspecting structures.
- Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.
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 Jason Boyle at jason.boyle@state.mn.us or 651-259-5715.
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.
