Mapping Hydrogeologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 92672
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- 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: Yes, required for seasonal field work
- 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
The Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) permanent full-time Hydrologist 3, located in Saint Paul, MN. This position exists to perform professional hydrogeological investigations and to produce complex maps and reports for DNR’s County Groundwater Atlas (CGA) program. Using advanced GIS software, the individual in this position will produce groundwater flow maps, groundwater sensitivity maps, and hydrogeologic cross sections and author detailed reports for a wide audience. They will develop materials and presentations to local government units on CGA maps and reports. They will also design, plan, and lead field work in water chemistry sampling and surveying. The individual will be responsible for investigating and researching new water chemistry characterization techniques, methods, and analysis in support of CGA and other Inventory, Monitoring and Analysis (IMA) activities. They will ensure the quality of chemistry data and oversee chemistry data collection standards for the CGA team. The individual may also assist other work units to carry out hydrogeological investigations and other specialty projects.
Responsibilities include:
- Groundwater Atlas Report Production. Working in an advanced GIS environment, research, compile, plot, and analyze data. Maintain files and records for each project area so that data can be collected and efficiently accessed. Design, develop, and create hydrogeologic and groundwater sensitivity maps and detailed, accurate reports for the CGA program which meet state, county, and local governmental unit needs. Author County Groundwater Atlases as assigned by the Supervisor. Prepare and deliver presentations to the public related to CGA maps and products. Review and edit reports and data as assigned.
- Groundwater chemistry data knowledge and validation. Validate, coordinate, and review CGA chemistry data to verify data and laboratory method accuracy. Groundwater chemistry data knowledge and data validation includes: verifying CGA water chemistry methods, monitoring research for new techniques, aid in the identification of data inaccuracies (or outliers) and working with labs to clarify the results, and assist with the annual updates to chemistry contracts with analytical laboratories.
- Field work and data collection. Design, plan, and carry out field data collection activities so that adequate data are gathered to characterize the hydrogeology, geochemistry, and geologic sensitivity of a project area.
- Duties as Assigned & Special Projects: Perform special tasks as assigned to ensure Section, Division and Department work priorities are met.
- Administrative tasks and communication: Understands, uses, and follows internal DNR communications systems, administrative procedures, and policies.
This position may require overnight travel 2-3 days per week up to several times per month and 4-5 days per week up to several times during field season.
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 an annual telework agreement.
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 requirement:
- Two hydrogeology qualifying courses and geology coursework sufficient to qualify for Professional Geologist licensure as described in MN Rules 1800.3910.
Additional qualifications:
- 4 or more years of total professional experience with 2 years of advanced professional experience at the Hydrologist 2 level or equivalent in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, geochemistry or regulatory work. An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in an appropriate major (see education requirements above) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
- Knowledge of geology, geologic mapping, groundwater, aquifer characteristics, hydrology and hydraulics, and groundwater monitoring and sampling field methods.
- Knowledge of groundwater geochemistry and geochemical applications to determine residence time and anthropogenic impacts on groundwater.
- Ability to analyze complex geologic and hydrogeologic conditions and prepare technical reports
- Experience collecting and analyzing groundwater data.
- Advanced skills with geographic information systems (GIS) software (ArcMAP/ Arc Pro) sufficient to compile and complete complex analysis of hydrologic and/or geologic data (i.e. identify trends, prepare geologic cross sections, and develop groundwater flow maps).
- Skills with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to draft technical reports, create presentations, and compile, analyze, and manage data.
- Experience with technical writing and drafting documents that are clear, organized, and grammatically sound.
- Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple complex projects; plan and allocate time and resources as necessary; establish and meet deadlines.
- Communication skills sufficient to work well with the project team and communicate with a wide variety of audiences.
- Ability to effectively present technical information and explain the results of analyses to other staff, local government, and the public.
- Ability to receive and provide peer review.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in an appropriate major (see education requirements above).
- Experience collecting groundwater samples for water chemistry analysis utilizing pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and conductivity meters.
- Experience and knowledge designing, planning and conducting complex groundwater sampling programs.
- Experience managing groundwater chemistry data, using MS Access, MS Excel, SQL, and EQuIS.
- Possess a Geologist in Training (GIT) or licensure as a Professional Geologist in Minnesota.
- Knowledge of aquifer test data analysis methods and experience analyzing data from aquifer tests.
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 Vanessa Baratta-Person at vanessa.baratta@state.mn.us or 651-259-5685.
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. 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 Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@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.
