Working Title: Groundwater Specialist
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 88467
Location : St. Paul or New Ulm, MN
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 8/28/2025
Closing Date : 9/17/2025
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, see details
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 (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 posting is intended to hire for two Groundwater Specialist (Hydrologist 3) vacancies in the Division of Ecological and Water Resources.
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 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, 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 report to 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: New Ulm or St. Paul.
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 or advanced 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:
Two hydrogeology-qualifying courses in the areas of: hydrogeology, groundwater hydraulics, contaminant transport, groundwater modeling, or equivalent.
Geology coursework sufficient to quality for Professional Geologist licensure as described in MN Rules 1800.3910.
Additional qualifications:
Four 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 in a related field may substitute for 1 year of experience.
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 and 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 independently and to plan and track work amidst competing demands to ensure work products are completed in a timely manner.
Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member and consistently conduct oneself in a cooperative and courteous manner.
Ability to follow policies and procedures, including accepting and implementing peer review.
Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities in a safe manner by following correct work procedure and using required personal protective equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
An advanced degree in one of the disciplines listed above.
Licensed as a Professional Geologist in Minnesota.
Additional course(s) in hydrogeology.
Skill and work experience building, calibrating, and applying finite-difference or finite-element groundwater flow models to complex problems.
Skill and experience collecting and analyzing surface water/groundwater interaction data, especially as it pertains to trout stream and calcareous fens.
Skill and work experience conducting and analyzing aquifer tests in complex glacial geologic settings.
Skill and work experience testifying in public hearings or court cases or presenting controversial groundwater projects in public meetings.
Successful participation in the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.
Additional Requirements
These positions require 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
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.
