Working Title: 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 : 09/18/2024

• Closing Date : 10/08/2024

• 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

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

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.

• Promoteandimplement groundwaterresourceconservationandsustainability.

• Developandexpandpartnerships withthegeneralpublicandgovernmentalagenciesto improvecollaborationandbetterintegrateresponsibilitiesamongresourcemanagers.

• 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.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.