District Groundwater Appropriation Hydrologist
District Groundwater Appropriation Hydrologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Area Hydrologist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 80286
- Location: Mankato
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 01/01/2024
- Closing Date: 12/05/2024
- 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 - Travel primarily within the state or region, with occasional overnights.
- Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
- Re-Posting: Yes
- 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 posting will be used to fill current or future positions at Mankato.
The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire a full-time permanent District Water Appropriations Hydrologist in Mankato. This position will ensure the sustainability of the State’s groundwater resources through the management of water appropriations within the Ecological and Water Resources Southern Region. The incumbent will need to coordinate with groundwater support staff, area hydrologists, regional groundwater specialists, two district managers, an assistant regional manager, and a regional manager on the protection, conservation, and use of Minnesota’s surface and groundwater through technical review, special conditions, monitoring and permit review for all water appropriation permits in the region. The incumbent will also complete work assignments that involve state-wide projects and policy.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct technical analysis and provide quality assistance to Area Hydrologists, the public, local units of government, and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly and usefully interpreted. This includes quantitative as well as qualitative information.
- Promote and implement groundwater resource conservation and sustainability.
- Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
- Provide lead work to volunteers, student interns, Hydrologist 1 or 2, OAS staff, and other staff as assigned.
- Help develop and deliver strategies and methods for water conservation by providing a regional review on local water supply planning, allocation, and protection planning for priority users while assisting with well-interference processing issues that are consistent with State statutes and rules.
- Ensure that large-volume water appropriators are permitted and sustained in accordance with applicable State statutes and rules.
- Perform all duties and responsibilities in a safe and healthful manner by following correct work procedures and using required personal protective equipment so that work related illnesses and injuries are eliminated.
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(s):
- At least 3 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, 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.
- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of hydrology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geology, 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 conflict between competing users of available groundwater resources supplies.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local governmental units, state and federal agencies, conservation groups and individuals from the general public.
- Ability to evaluate and supply technical reports and critical reviews, make decisions, and solve water
- Fundamental knowledge of zoning principles
- Knowledge of waste 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.
- Considerable knowledge of resource management, ecosystem management, economics, and law
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.
- Knowledge and experience working with state and federal resource management agencies, and local governmental units with an understanding of their respective authorities, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.
- Experience with groundwater monitoring, installing and using groundwater monitoring equipment, data collection and management.
- Experience with water resource planning and management in state, federal or local units of government.
- Experience working with Watershed Districts and/or Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.
- Experience/coursework with GIS-based software applications (i.e. ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro)
- Experience with conflict resolution and communication of information in contentious or difficult situations.
- Experience with use of survey equipment.
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. 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 Todd Kolander at todd.kolander@state.mn.us or 507-272-2154.
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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@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.