Job Details
Working Title: Source Water Protection Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department
- Job ID: 88867
- Location: Duluth or Bemidji
- Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers – bidders will be considered until 11/7/2025.
- Date Posted: 10/31/2025
- Closing Date: 11/13/2025
- Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- Division/Unit: Environmental Health – Source Water Protection Unit (SWPU)
- Work Shift/Work Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes, up to 25%
- Salary Range: $32.40 – $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 – $99,723 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- 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
Are you passionate about protecting Minnesota’s drinking water? Do you thrive in roles where science, policy, planning, and collaboration come together? Join our Source Water Protection (SWP) team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and help safeguard drinking water at its source for current and future generations. As a Planner Principal in the Source Water Protection Unit, you will lead short- and long-term planning activities to protect public drinking water sources across Northeast Minnesota. Your work will focus on supporting public water suppliers (PWS) and collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to implement source water and wellhead protection programs. This position is highly collaborative, technical, and strategic—requiring both independent initiative and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders from small communities to major state agencies.
This position will also provide expert advice to other source water protection program or agency staff regarding management of potential contaminant sources related to forestry, mining, and recreational land-uses. Candidates must have flexibility of work schedule for attending evening/weekend public meetings, field work, and work-related overnight travel.
Primary Responsibilities include:
- Assist public water suppliers in developing, submitting, reviewing and amending wellhead protection plans, action plans and surface water intake protection plans in accordance with Minnesota Rules and MDH guidance.
- Support public water suppliers and local partners in implementing approved protection plans, managing contaminant threats, and accessing grant funding.
- Serve as a liaison between MDH, local governments, state agencies, and federal entities to align source water protection efforts and participate in watershed planning initiatives like One Watershed One Plan (1W1P).
- Deliver training, presentations, and technical guidance to public water suppliers, local officials, and the public to promote awareness and best practices in drinking water protection.
- Collaborate with hydrologists and public health staff to address local geological challenges, promote safe drinking water for public water systems, private well users, and coordinate regional water quality initiatives.
The location of this position is Duluth or Bemidji MN, and may have the option to telework up to 50% of the time; telework schedules are based on the unit’s operational needs and are at the supervisor’s discretion.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- 3 years of local government unit experience in water resource planning, land use management and planning, or watershed planning and implementation, this experience must include the management of potential contaminant sources related to forestry, mining, and recreational land uses.
Additional minimum qualifications assessed during the interview process:
- Demonstrated skill in reviewing, editing, and producing detailed planning documents, technical reports, and written correspondence.
- Ability to communicate complex scientific and regulatory information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including local officials, community stakeholders, and the general public, both in writing and verbally.
- Experience working cooperatively with other agencies, state government, local government water resource management, communities, and multidisciplinary teams to advance shared public health or environmental protection goals, especially within the MN Water Resources framework.
Education in a related field may substitute for experience as follows:
6 months = Associate’s degree in environmental science, water resources, natural resource management, public health, or a related field.
12 months= Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, water resources, natural resource management, public health, or a related field.
18 months = Master’s degree in environmental science, water resources, natural resource management, public health, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced expertise in land use planning and zoning, with a strong background in local-level implementation.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in planning, urban and regional studies, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
- Proven knowledge and hands-on experience with groundwater protection and restoration programs, including Minnesota’s Source Water Protection Program and wellhead protection planning.
- Familiarity with governmental processes and demonstrated experience collaborating with local decision-makers.
- Proficient in GIS (e.g., ArcView), GPS tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft Teams.
- Understanding of drinking water protection grant programs and relevant regulatory frameworks.
- Ability to run and organize public meetings.
Physical Requirements
- Perform outdoor fieldwork in all seasons
- Perform travel throughout Minnesota
- Lift and carry up to ten (10) pounds for long distances
- Navigate uneven surfaces and stand for long periods
- Flexibility of work schedule for attending public meetings, field work, and work related overnight travel.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver’s license but demands some travel that the candidate is responsible for meeting.
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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266.
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 Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us.
About Health Department
Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.
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.
