Working Title: Source Water Protection Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 88867
Location : Duluth or Bemidji
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 11/7/2025.
Date Posted : 10/31/2025
Closing Date : 11/13/2025
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Environmental Health - Source Water Protection Unit (SWPU)
Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:00am-4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 25%
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,723 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
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.
Are you passionate about protecting Minnesota's drinking water? Do you thrive in roles where science, policy, planning, and collaboration come together? Join our Source Water Protection (SWP) team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and help safeguard drinking water at its source for current and future generations. As a Planner Principal in the Source Water Protection Unit, you will lead short- and long-term planning activities to protect public drinking water sources across Northeast Minnesota. Your work will focus on supporting public water suppliers (PWS) and collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to implement source water and wellhead protection programs. This position is highly collaborative, technical, and strategic-requiring both independent initiative and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders from small communities to major state agencies.
This position will also provide expert advice to other source water protection program or agency staff regarding management of potential contaminant sources related to forestry, mining, and recreational land-uses. Candidates must have flexibility of work schedule for attending evening/weekend public meetings, field work, and work-related overnight travel.
Primary Responsibilities include:
Assist public water suppliers in developing, submitting, reviewing and amending wellhead protection plans, action plans and surface water intake protection plans in accordance with Minnesota Rules and MDH guidance.
Support public water suppliers and local partners in implementing approved protection plans, managing contaminant threats, and accessing grant funding.
Serve as a liaison between MDH, local governments, state agencies, and federal entities to align source water protection efforts and participate in watershed planning initiatives like One Watershed One Plan (1W1P).
Deliver training, presentations, and technical guidance to public water suppliers, local officials, and the public to promote awareness and best practices in drinking water protection.
Collaborate with hydrologists and public health staff to address local geological challenges, promote safe drinking water for public water systems, private well users, and coordinate regional water quality initiatives.
The location of this position is Duluth or Bemidji MN, and may have the option to telework up to 50% of the time; telework schedules are based on the unit's operational needs and are at the supervisor's discretion.
Minimum Qualifications
3 years of local government unit experience in water resource planning, land use management and planning, or watershed planning and implementation, this experience must include the management of potential contaminant sources related to forestry, mining, and recreational land uses.
Additional minimum qualifications assessed during the interview process:
Demonstrated skill in reviewing, editing, and producing detailed planning documents, technical reports, and written correspondence.
Ability to communicate complex scientific and regulatory information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including local officials, community stakeholders, and the general public, both in writing and verbally.
Experience working cooperatively with other agencies, state government, local government water resource management, communities, and multidisciplinary teams to advance shared public health or environmental protection goals, especially within the MN Water Resources framework.
Education in a related field may substitute for experience as follows:
6 months = Associate's degree in environmental science, water resources, natural resource management, public health, or a related field.
12 months= Bachelor's degree in environmental science, water resources, natural resource management, public health, or a related field.
18 months = Master's degree in environmental science, water resources, natural resource management, public health, or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced expertise in land use planning and zoning, with a strong background in local-level implementation.
Bachelor's or Master's degree in planning, urban and regional studies, environmental science, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
Proven knowledge and hands-on experience with groundwater protection and restoration programs, including Minnesota's Source Water Protection Program and wellhead protection planning.
Familiarity with governmental processes and demonstrated experience collaborating with local decision-makers.
Proficient in GIS (e.g., ArcView), GPS tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and Microsoft Teams.
Understanding of drinking water protection grant programs and relevant regulatory frameworks.
Ability to run and organize public meetings.
Physical Requirements
Perform outdoor fieldwork in all seasons
Perform travel throughout Minnesota
Lift and carry up to ten (10) pounds for long distances
Navigate uneven surfaces and stand for long periods
Flexibility of work schedule for attending public meetings, field work, and work related overnight travel.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver's license but demands some travel that 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.
