Staff Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 92646
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes – Up to 50% after completion of probation period
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Limited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 03/10/2026
- Closing Date: 03/30/2026
- 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: No
- Salary Range: $27.35 – $37.26 / hourly; $57,106 – $77,798 / annually
- Classified Status: Unclassified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
- End Date: 05/05/2029
- FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
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
The Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Full-time Temporary Unclassified Hydrologist 1 located in Saint Paul, with anticipated working dates of 05/06/2026-05/05/2029. The purpose of this position is to ensure the sustainability of Minnesota’s water resources through management of the activities of the public within the South District of Region 3, including the seven-county metro area and six counties in southeast Minnesota. This position also completes work assignments that involve statewide projects and policy.
Responsibilities include:
- Promoting and implementing water resource conservation and sustainability.
- Conducting technical analysis and providing quality assistance to the general public, local units of government, and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted in a useful manner. This includes both quantitative and qualitative information.
- Developing and expanding partnerships with the general public and governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
- Performing administrative duties as needed to ensure the operation and functions of the area office.
- Reviewing formal environmental review documents and directing project proposers to appropriate agencies and staff so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistent with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws and regulations.
- Ensuring water resource projects affecting public waters are completed and sustained in according with applicable state statutes and regulations.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.
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 requirements:
- 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 (or equivalent experience) in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils
Additional qualifications:
- Technical knowledge of hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, principles and practices of water resource management.
- Technical knowledge of land surveying, groundwater and stream flow measurement procedures and use of hydrologic monitoring equipment.
- Knowledge of hydrologic data collection, compilation and review including database, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing applications to compile, analyze and present hydrologic data.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member, follow policies and procedures while consistently conducting oneself in a cooperative and courteous manner.
- Ability to resolve conflicts that arise between competing users of available water resource supplies.
- Knowledge or awareness of coordinated resource management, ecosystem management, economics, computer systems, law enforcement, and budget processes.
- Ability to evaluate and write technical reports, provide critical reviews, make decisions, and render solutions to water resource management problems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in 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.
- Experience with local government units and/or implementing regulatory programs.
- Skills in using technical data and information along with human relations skills sufficient to devise solutions for identified problems.
- Ability to act independently and make accountable decisions within the framework of departmental policy and legislative mandates.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
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 John Gleason at john.gleason@state.mn.us or 651-259-5753.
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.
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.
