NR Area Hydrologist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Mankato, MN, USA 🇺🇸

Hutchinson, MN, USA 🇺🇸

Spicer, MN, USA 🇺🇸

Job ID: 61337

Location: Mankato;Hutchinson;Spicer

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state’s natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Job Details

Working Title: NR Area Hydrologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Area Hydrologist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 12/16/2022
  • Closing Date: 01/05/2023
  • 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; Some overnight travel in state
  • Salary Range: $28.96 – $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 – $89,094 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • Work Location: Preferred locations Spicer, Mankato, and Hutchinson; location negotiable within region
  • FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is currently looking to hire up to three Natural Resources Area Hydrologist positions. Preferred locations for these positions are Spicer, Mankato, and Hutchinson but location is negotiable within region. These positions exists to ensure the sustainability of the State’s water resources through management of the activities of the public within a geographic work area comprised of three or more Hydrologic Unit Codes and 8 watersheds. For land use programs, including shoreland and floodplain management, the work area comprises four or more counties. These positions also complete work assignments that involve state-wide projects and policy.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Assist local communities, Rural Water Systems, and other water appropriators in managing surface and groundwater.   Work with inter-agency Drinking Water/Groundwater team to define, prioritize and establish Water Appropriation and use Management Plans Groundwater Management Areas) in Minnesota.  Participate in and facilitate data collection, monitoring, and analysis to develop a comprehensive water sustainability framework.  Assess impacts of projects on drinking water quantity and quality, existing water appropriations, and establish thresholds on water users to protect limited and threatened aquifers and surface water features.
  • Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to state agencies, local government units, watershed districts, lake, river, and watershed associations, and other teams in developing watershed studies, including major Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) and One Watershed One Plans (1W1P).  These studies and plans strive to address sources of water quality impairments and identify water resource protection and restoration strategies.  The WRAPS outputs will address federal Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements and be incorporated into locally generated implementation plans. While 1W1P is a locally driven watershed plan addressing watershed priorities for the protection and enhancement of surface and groundwater quality, overall watershed health, and resiliency. The Division/Department goal is to facilitate practical input into these study and implementation planning efforts so that comprehensive, ecological system-based outcomes are reached for lake and river water quality impairments in the region.  The focus will be on the watershed-wide assessment of hydrology, biology, geomorphology, water quality, and connectivity to promote overall watershed health and protection.  Identification and prioritization of natural landscape protection and restoration priorities will be a vital part of this process. 
  • Provide expertise in various areas to help local government units, interest groups, and landowners restore and manage landscapes resulting in cleaner water and long-term ecosystem health.   Utilize natural landscape options to create healthy watersheds, including normalizing the hydrograph.  This position will work with internal and external partners on developing best management practices, mainly related to altered hydrology, shoreland stabilization, and agricultural drainage. Assist local governments with interpreting and administering their shoreland ordinance and drafting ordinance amendments or new shoreland ordinances.
  • Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
  • Conduct technical analysis and assist the general public, local units of government, and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted to guide sustainable management of our water resources.
  • Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and other governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
  • Providing early coordination on proposed ideas and projects affecting natural resources and reviewing formal environmental review documents so that environmental impacts and documents are completed and consistent with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws and rules.  This position is responsible for providing early coordination on proposed ideas and projects affecting natural resources and reviewing formal environmental review documents so that environmental impacts and documents are completed and consistent with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws and rules.
  • Ensures water resource projects conducted within public waters are completed and sustained following applicable State statutes and rules.
  • Administer the operation and functions of the area office, including budgetary and lead worker responsibilities.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a full or part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a 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(s):
    • A minimum of three (3) 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.
  • At least 3 years of total professional experience in surface water and groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning and regulation, or related technical work and 2 years of professional experience in public water regulatory work and technical guidance to local governments and partners. *An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience*
  • Knowledge and understanding of hydrology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geology, hydraulics, engineering methods and modeling, watershed management, and natural resource management.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the underlying laws, rules, and policies that guide the Department’s water and related land use management programs and political processes.
  • Ability to resolve conflicts between competing users of available water resource supplies.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide training to all levels of government officials, the public, and other DNR employees.
  • Ability to evaluate and supply technical reports, provide critical reviews, make decisions, and solve water resource management problems.
  • Understanding water management systems, including feedlots and individual sewage treatment systems.
  • Understanding of erosion and stormwater control systems.
  • Ability to organize and present expert testimony for Departmental programs and policies.
  • Knowledge of coordinated resource management, ecosystem management, economics, computer systems, law enforcement, and budget process.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.
  • Experience in Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) planning and major watershed restoration and protection strategies (WRAPS).
  • Experience with water resource planning and management in state, federal or local units of government.
  • Experience working with Watershed Districts and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.
  • Experience and knowledge of public drainage ditch law, surface and subsurface drainage systems.
  • Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work – occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pound bags maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check
  • SEMA4 Records Check
  • Criminal History Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Education/license 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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Korey Woodley at korey.woodley@state.mn.us or 507-884-8791.

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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@state.mn.us.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

  • 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
  • 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
  • 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
  • 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

  • Public pension plan
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays each year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Low-cost medical and dental coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Wellness programs and resources
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Health care spending and savings accounts
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Tax-deferred compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.


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