Job Details
Working Title: Hydrologist and Contractor Certification Lead
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: Health Department
- Job ID: 92276
- Location: St. Cloud
- Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybrid
- 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 3/03/2026.
- Date Posted: 02/25/2026
- Closing Date: 03/03/2026
- Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- Division/Unit: Environmental Health – Well Management Unit
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day shift, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes, up to 75% of the time
- Salary Range: $34.69 – $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 – $107,427 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – Minnesota 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
Join a mission-driven team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and help protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are seeking an experienced and self-motivated Hydrologist 3 to serve as the Hydrologist and Contractor Certification Lead within the Well Management Section.
In this role, you will provide statewide leadership in ensuring safe well and boring construction, protecting groundwater resources, and enforcing Minnesota’s Well Code. This position combines field inspections, regulatory enforcement, contractor certification oversight, and technical expertise in hydrology and groundwater protection. You will work independently while collaborating with contractors, local governments, and agency partners to promote compliance, resolve complex technical issues, and safeguard public health.
This is an opportunity to apply advanced hydrologic knowledge in a highly impactful regulatory role that supports environmental protection and safe drinking water across Minnesota.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Conduct field inspections of well and boring construction and sealing to ensure compliance with Minnesota statutes and rules.
- Investigate complaints and violations; draft enforcement actions and support corrective measures.
- Manage certification and licensing processes for well and boring contractor representatives.
- Coordinate safety program for section staff.
- Provide technical guidance to contractors, local governments, and the public on groundwater protection and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in training, special projects, and emergency response activities as needed.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, environmental compliance, groundwater protection, or a closely related field conducting technical evaluations, inspections, regulatory compliance activities, certification and licensing or enforcement actions related to wells, borings, water resources, or environmental programs.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:
- Ability to independently conduct field inspections, investigate compliance issues, and apply regulatory requirements to protect wells, borings, and groundwater resources.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for providing technical guidance to contractors, government partners, and the public, and for documenting enforcement and program activities.
- Proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including certification and licensing processes, enforcement actions, and special projects, while exercising sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations.
*A bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field will substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
*A master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field will substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
*A doctoral degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or closely related will substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental engineering, or a related field.
- Experience interpreting and applying Minnesota statutes and rules related to well and boring construction, licensing, and groundwater protection.
- Demonstrated experience conducting regulatory inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions in a technical or environmental program.
- Experience managing licensing, certification, or credentialing programs, including reviewing applications and administering examinations.
- Experience in developing and implementing safety programs for field and office staff.
- Strong knowledge of hydrogeology, groundwater sampling, water quality analysis, and geologic investigation techniques, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to contractors, government partners, and the public, including developing training or educational materials.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work outdoors during all seasons.
- Able to lift as much as 20 pounds for short time periods.
- Able to frequently lift from ground to waist height, and from waist to shoulder height.
- Able to walk on even/uneven or sloping ground, including snow covered ground, for up to a mile.
- Perform gross and fine motor tasks, sometimes with unprotected fingers and hands, in varying indoor/outdoor temperature extremes.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver’s license, however it does demand travel which 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.
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 and 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.
