Working Title: Source Water Protection Unit Manager - Health Program Manager
Job Class: Health Program Manager
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 90084
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/12/2025
Closing Date : 12/02/2025
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Environmental Health (EH) - Source Water Protection (SWP)
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 25% of the time.
Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Managerial Plan
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.
Are you passionate about protecting public health and safeguarding essential water resources? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking dedicated professionals to make a meaningful difference in our communities. We are currently hiring a Source Water Protection (SWP) Unit Manager within the Environmental Health Division. This position plays a critical role in managing activities within the Source Water Protection Program to ensure safe and sustainable drinking water for Minnesotans, thereby protecting public health.
As the SWP Unit Manager, you will lead the planning, implementation, and coordination of statewide efforts to protect groundwater and surface water sources of drinking water. The program employs a structured planning approach, integrating hydrologic science and computer modeling to guide land and water use planning and management, all with the goal of ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable drinking water for Minnesota communities.
The SWP Program oversees several key responsibilities, including:
Managing the wellhead protection program.
Oversee and coordinate the availability of financial assistance tools for source water protection, including the SWP Grants program.
Administering the protection of surface water intakes used for public water supplies.
Reviewing permits, plans, and other documents related to drinking water protection.
Conducting topical studies and research to support informed decision-making on drinking water protection.
This is a hybrid telework position that may require in-person meetings as well as in-office work in the downtown St. Paul location. Telework can be performed up to 50% of the time and will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion.
Minimum Qualifications
The following minimum qualifications must be clearly demonstrated on the applicant's resume/application to be considered for the position:
Four years of experience in source water protection, environmental health, hydrology, or water resource management, experience must include program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
AND
Demonstrated leadership experience such as:
Ability to plan, organize, and direct technical and administrative activities of staff and partners.
Project management and coordination experience, including strategic planning and budgeting.
Managing the preparation and maintenance of reports necessary to carry out the functions of the department.
Demonstrated leadership equivalencies may include experience as a supervisor, lead worker, team lead, or completion of a State of MN leadership program such as Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) or Senior Leadership Institute (SLI) or Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization. A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG). This experience must also include: 1+ years of identifying issues, goals, and strategic actions 100+ hours per year time commitment
A Bachelor's degree in earth sciences, hydrology, geology, environmental sciences, public health, or closely related field may substitute for (1) year of experience; A master's degree in earth sciences, hydrology, geology, environmental sciences, public health, or closely related field may substitute for (18) months of experience and a Doctorate degree in earth sciences, hydrology, geology, environmental sciences, public health, or closely related field may substitute for (2) years of experience.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:
Ability to develop and implement strategic plans, including administration of budgets, while managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Strong understanding of groundwater and surface water systems, hydrologic science, and drinking water protection principles.
Experience collaborating with government agencies, community stakeholders, and other partners.
Ability to develop and review reports and make policy recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in earth sciences, hydrology, geology, environmental sciences, public health, or closely related field
Professional knowledge of principles of hydrology, hydraulics, hydrogeology, geochemistry, and groundwater quality protection.
Professional knowledge of the principles and practices of land-use planning, groundwater protection, and land-use controls.
Working knowledge of state water law.
Working knowledge of the principles and practices of water resources management, groundwater quality protection, and water well construction.
Physical Requirements
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds
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.
