Working Title: Permitting Specialist - Geothermal Systems and Elevator Borings
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 89469
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, partial
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be accepted until 11/4/2025.
Date Posted : 10/29/2025
Closing Date : 11/12/2025
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Environmental Health (EH) - Well Management Technical Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 25%
Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota 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.
Join a mission-driven team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and help protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are seeking an experienced and self-motivated Hydrologist 3 to serve as the Permitting Specialist for Geothermal Systems and Elevator Borings within the Well Management Section.
This position plays a critical role in reviewing permit applications, conducting inspections, and providing technical guidance on geothermal and elevator boring systems. If you are passionate about groundwater protection, public health, and sustainable technologies, this is a unique opportunity to make a statewide impact.
The role supports innovation in renewable energy while enforcing Minnesota's environmental health regulations and contributing to policy and rule development.
Primary responsibilities include:
Review, approve, and manage permits for geothermal systems and elevator borings to ensure compliance with Minnesota statutes and rules.
Conduct or coordinate field inspections before, during, and after installation of permitted systems and prepare detailed inspection reports.
Serve as the technical expert on geothermal systems, providing guidance to internal staff, external partners, and the public.
Support rulemaking, policy development, and evaluation of new technologies, materials, and methods used in geothermal and well systems.
This position may have the option of teleworking up to 50% of the time but will be based on the business needs and manager discretion. Commuting to the St. Paul office and other MDH office locations across the state may be required. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience in groundwater resources, geothermal technologies, or well/boring permitting, including work related to hydrology, environmental health, geology, or water resource management.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:
Ability to apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills in complex or ambiguous regulatory situations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including how you manage stakeholder engagement and respond to public inquiries.
Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities, including field inspections, permit reviews, and interagency coordination.
*A bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field will substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
*A master's degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field will substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
*A doctoral degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or closely related will substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental engineering, or a related field.
Registered Professional Geologist or Engineer in Minnesota or able to initiate the process for licensure within 12 months of hire
Direct experience in permitting or inspecting geothermal systems, groundwater thermal exchange systems, or elevator borings.
Strong working knowledge of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103I and Rules Chapter 4725, or equivalent groundwater and well regulatory frameworks.
Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies such as the MPCA, DNR, MDA, or local delegated well programs.
Proficiency in interpreting technical documents, including site plans, geologic logs, and engineering specifications.
Participation in rulemaking, policy development, or program implementation in an environmental or public health @context.
Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work outdoors during all seasons.
Able to lift as much as 20 pounds for short time periods.
Able to frequently lift from ground to waist height, and from waist to shoulder height.
Able to walk on even/uneven or sloping ground, including snow covered ground, for up to a mile.
Perform gross and fine motor tasks, sometimes with unprotected fingers and hands, in varying indoor/outdoor temperature extremes.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver's license, however it does demand travel which the candidate is responsible for meeting.
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.
