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Groundwater Specialist - Hydrologist 3

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Groundwater Specialist
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 80474
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 9/25/2024
  • Closing Date: 10/22/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / 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

 

This position exists to provide expert technical analysis of the nature, distribution, appropriation, and sustainability of groundwater throughout Minnesota. Specifically, the position addresses sustainability of the drinking water resource by reviewing proposed water appropriations and proposed projects that have the potential to influence groundwater quality and quantity. This position will work on sustainability issues for groundwater resources in response to the increased demands for water supply including municipal supplies, rural water supplies, agricultural water supplies, and commercial and industrial water supplies – all of which compete for the limited groundwater resource that must also sustain groundwater-dependent ecosystems. The position supports DNR permitting hydrologists so that domestic water supplies are protected, and groundwater management decisions are made on a sound technical basis. The position works under limited supervision by the workgroup supervisor Responsibilities include:

  • Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. Encourage a diverse workplace, treat others with respect, and contribute to work groups. Support the overall mission of the DNR.
  • Technical reviews: identify and apply published hydrologic data to specific sites; compile and analyze hydrologic data using GIS, AQTESOLV, and other industry software; develop hydrogeologic conceptual site models; use models to predict the effects of a groundwater use. Prepare reports, memos, and specifications. Work is typically conducted in support of DNR appropriations permitting staff.
  • Plan, direct, and/or conduct aquifer tests and well interference investigations. Work is typically conducted in response to a well interference complaint or to provide information in support of an appropriations permit decision.
  • Local Groundwater Supply Planning Assistance: Conduct technical reviews of municipal water supply plans. Support public and local units of government on planning for drinking water sustainability. Work is conducted in support of DNR appropriations permitting staff and inter-agency water use planning efforts.
  • Regional Groundwater Evaluations and Technical Support: Evaluate local and cumulative groundwater availability, distribution and quality issues on regional and sub-regional scales using hydrologic tools such as analytic models and statistical analysis, often in the context of a water-use conflict. Contribute to the development of targeted and regional groundwater level monitoring networks. Work is conducted in support of groundwater management planning efforts both within and outside of DNR. 
  • Special Projects: Perform hydrogeologic studies, special assignments, and independent investigations under the direction of the supervisor. Assignments may include, but will not be limited to: environmental review, preparing expert testimony and/or acting as an expert witness, presenting technical information to stakeholder groups, and analysis of groundwater-dependent resources such as groundwater-fed trout streams, lakes, and calcareous fens. Work is conducted in support of DNR leadership and sustainability initiatives. As necessary the priority, percentage of time and discretion may change significantly.

This position requires statewide travel overnight up to 5 days per week infrequently and 1 – 2 days per week occasionally for data collection and site visits.

This position has a flexible work location to be determined at the time of hire. The incumbent will have the opportunity to select from one of the following office locations: Mankato, New Ulm, Rochester or St. Paul.

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 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.

  • A 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:
    • Three hydrogeology-qualifying courses in the areas of: hydrogeology, groundwater hydraulics, contaminant transport, groundwater modeling, or equivalent
    • OR two hydrogeology qualifying courses (as described above) and two geology qualifying courses in the areas of: geomorphology, geochemistry, glacial geology, structural geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geologic mapping, geophysics, or equivalent.

Additional qualifications:

  • 4 years of professional experience with at least 2 years in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning or regulation, or related technical or regulatory work. *An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.*
  • Education/coursework credits and years of experience sufficient to quality for licensure as a Professional Geologist in Minnesota, as described in Minnesota Rules 1800.3910.
  • Knowledge of the principles of groundwater flow, aquifer testing, and geology, and the ability to apply those principles to complex hydrogeologic problems.
  • Ability to collect and correct hydrogeologic field data. 
  • Ability to use computer software, including geospatial software such as ArcGIS, to compile, analyze, and present hydrogeologic data.
  • Ability to analyze aquifer tests and conduct predictive modeling using software such as AQTESOLV to determine sustainable groundwater use.
  • Ability to quantify the effect of groundwater pumping on nearby wells, wetlands, and streams.
  • Ability to write hydrogeologic documents such as specifications, aquifer test reports, and technical memos. 
  • Ability to present technical information and findings to the public, peers, and management in a way that is concise and understandable to the audience. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively and productively on a team, to interact respectfully and professionally at all times, and to accept and act upon peer review.
  • Ability to plan and track work amidst competing demands to ensure work products are completed in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

  • An advanced degree (MS or PhD) in any of the disciplines listed above.
  • Licensed as a Professional Geologist in Minnesota.
  • Additional course(s) in hydrogeology.
  • Skill and experience building, calibrating, and applying groundwater flow models to complex problems.
  • Skill and experience collecting and analyzing surface water/groundwater interaction data, especially as it pertains to trout streams and calcareous fens.
  • Skill and work experience conducting and analyzing aquifer tests in complex glacial geologic settings.
  • Experience testifying in public hearings or court cases or presenting controversial projects in public meetings.
  • Successful participation in the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

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.

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 Ellen Considine at ellen.considine@state.mn.us or 651-259-5669.

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 Lucas Schulze at lucas.schulze@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.