Working Title: Surface Water Monitoring Unit Supervisor
Job Class: Hydrologist Supervisor
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 88479
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 09/02/2025.
Date Posted : 08/26/2025
Closing Date : 09/15/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Surface Water Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes (up to 10%)
Salary Range: $37.60 - $54.16 / hourly; $78,508 - $113,086 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association (MMA)
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
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.
This position will be located in the St. Paul, Rochester or Mankato agency office and may have the option to telework.
This position exists to provide supervision and technical direction to the Surface Water Monitoring Unit in the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division. The incumbent will propose, plan, design, coordinate and lead surface water, edge of field and other monitoring programs and projects for assessment of pesticides and fertilizers in water. This position will provide leadership for data analysis and reporting of monitoring data and related activities to ensure it is conducted in a timely and scientifically defensible manner consistent with enabling statutes, mandates, and management instructions. The incumbent will supervise hydrologists working on various agricultural and environmental issues and will represent MDA on technical issues in meetings, hearings and other public activities.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelors in hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental science, water science, water resource management or a closely related field.
Three years professional experience as a hydrologist (an advanced degree in one of the referenced fields may substitute for one year of experience) which includes extensive experience and knowledge on the design, installation and operation of water monitoring equipment and associated data analysis and reporting.
Supervisory or lead worker experience directing the work of professional employees.
Advanced specialized knowledge of surface water monitoring equipment and methodology, monitoring system design, sample collection, quality control and associated data analysis.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Extensive knowledge of agricultural chemical (pesticides and fertilizers) fate and transport in the environment and methods used to assess and interpret monitoring data.
An advanced degree in hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental science, water science, water resource management or a closely related field.
Extensive coursework in hydrology, hydrogeology, agriculture, contaminant fate and transport, computer modeling, environmental chemistry, and statistics.
Extensive communication experience involving the presentation of complex water quality data in potentially controversial and sometimes hostile public situations.
Direct experience, including farming experience, or significant training in the use and management of pesticides and fertilizers in an agricultural setting.
Practical experience developing and managing an electronic data management system; and experience managing projects and budgets.
Physical Requirements
The incumbent must be able to independently collect samples from remote monitoring locations in any season over rough, rocky, muddy, and overgrown terrain. This may require driving and hiking to remote locations, manually collecting samples and carrying them to a vehicle, and the ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Driver's License Check
Conflict of Interest Review
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.
