- Job ID: 91623
- Location: Rochester
- 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 02/02/2026.
- Date Posted: 01/26/2026
- Closing Date: 02/09/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
- Division/Unit: Pesticide & Fertilizer Management Division / Groundwater Unit Staff
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am – 4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes – Up to 50% of the time
- Salary Range: $27.35 – $37.26 / hourly; $57,106 – $77,798 / 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
This position is located in Rochester and may have the ability to telework 50% after a probationary period. Must be available for reasonable travel, including some overnight stays.
This position will coordinate and collect water quality samples from groundwater and surface water monitoring locations to assess the impacts of agricultural chemicals on water resources in Minnesota. This position will also be responsible for researching, compiling and managing data associated with water quality monitoring and reporting on the data collected.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
- One (1) year of work experience collecting water samples utilizing water quality monitoring equipment and conducting data analysis. NOTE: A bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental science, or a closely related degree that contains a minimum of two courses in hydrogeology, hydrology, or related groundwater classes may substitute for one (1) year of work experience. All applicants who are invited to interview may be required to submit a copy of their college transcript(s) prior to the interview.
- Demonstrated ability and working knowledge of common water quality monitoring equipment and methods and of the principles of hydrogeology, hydrology, soil science, and contaminant transport.
- Strong project coordination skills utilizing common computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, and GIS applications.
- The ability to communicate one-on-one and to write clear and concise technical reports and the ability to effectively represent MDA before a variety of groups relative to social, economic and environmental issues.
- The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review. Occasional overnight travel may also be required.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor’s or advanced degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology or a closely related field.
- Licensure as a professional geoscientist by the state of Minnesota or licensure as a professional geoscientist by another equivalent state or eligibility for licensure in Minnesota by comity. The state and license number must be submitted in order to be considered.
- Experience effectively communicating complex findings to a general audience.
- Extensive experience related to completing specific tasks following established protocols including the collection of groundwater and surface water samples utilizing a variety of equipment and techniques.
- The ability to perform statistical and trend analysis on water quality monitoring data.
- Direct experience (including farming experience) or significant training in use and management of pesticides or inorganic fertilizers in an agricultural setting.
- Experience with GIS and hydrological modeling and practical experience developing and managing large data sets.
Physical Requirements
This position requires difficult physically demanding labor, long workdays, outdoor work in sometimes harsh conditions, and strict attention to details and protocol. This position requires heavy lifting, digging with shovels, negotiating trails through wooded, overgrown, or otherwise obstructed pathways which may be flat, but are also likely to be quite steep and occasionally rocky. This position requires work in physically challenging environments including cold, windy, wet, and snowy conditions during winter months, as well as rainy, hot or humid conditions in the summer. The person in this position must be capable of functioning to a high level of precision and accuracy in adverse weather conditions. The incumbent must be able to independently collect samples from wells in any season.
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 the position, contact Kim Kaiser at kimberly.kaiser@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 Lauren Daniels at lauren.daniels@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.
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.
