Local recruitment: Water Information Strategist - Environmental Specialist 4

Minnesota Department of Health

Minnesota, USA 🇺🇸

  • Job ID: 90991
  • Location: Various
  • 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 1/19/2026. 
  • Date Posted: 01/13/2026
  • Closing Date: 01/27/2026
  • Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
  • Division/Unit: Environmental Health – Water Policy Center
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
  • Days of Work: Monday – Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% 
  • Salary Range: $34.69 – $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 – $107,427 / 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

Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring safe, clean water for Minnesota communities? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a Water Information Strategist to join the Water Policy Center. In this role, you will transform complex water quality and groundwater data into actionable insights that guide local and state public health programs, inform policy, and support private well users across the state. You’ll collaborate with state and local partners, develop clear and accessible visualizations such as dashboards and maps, and help drive initiatives that improve water safety and public health outcomes. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working at the forefront of data-driven public health.

Primary Responsibilities: 

  • Collect, organize, and maintain private well and groundwater data from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility.
  • Identify trends, generate insights, and support reporting for public health programs and policy decisions.
  • Create dashboards, maps, and infographics that make water data easy to understand for partners, stakeholders, and the public.
  • Work closely with MDH teams, local governments, and community organizations to meet data and reporting needs.
  • Provide expertise to inform water policy, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.

This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state. Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • 3 years of experience in environmental data management, public health data analysis, or a closely related field, including working with large datasets related to water quality, groundwater, or environmental monitoring.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

  • Demonstrated experience ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency of datasets, including integrating data from multiple sources and formats to support decision-making.
  • Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights to inform program decisions, policy recommendations and public health strategies.
  • Proven ability to work with internal teams, external partners and community stakeholders to understand data needs, share insights, and support program goals.

A Bachelor’s degree in environmental health, public health, hydrology, data science, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience; a Master’s degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience, or a Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience designing and maintaining dashboards, maps, and infographics that effectively communicate complex water quality or public health data to diverse audiences.
  • Proficiency using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) to analyze, map, and visualize groundwater, private well, or environmental datasets. Familiarity with environmental or sample data software (e.g., EQuIS)
  • Experience with data analysis tools or programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, Tableau, or Power BI to interpret large datasets and generate actionable insights.
  • Understanding of hydrology, groundwater, private well systems, or environmental/public health principles relevant to water safety and monitoring.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with internal teams, local governments, community organizations, and other state agencies to meet data needs, support policy development, and improve water programs.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

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.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@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.

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.

10 days remaining

Apply by 27 January, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development