Working Title: Water Information Strategist
Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 90991
Location : Various
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 1/19/2026.
Date Posted : 01/13/2026
Closing Date : 01/27/2026
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Environmental Health - Water Policy Center
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 - 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.
Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring safe, clean water for Minnesota communities? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a Water Information Strategist to join the Water Policy Center. In this role, you will transform complex water quality and groundwater data into actionable insights that guide local and state public health programs, inform policy, and support private well users across the state. You'll collaborate with state and local partners, develop clear and accessible visualizations such as dashboards and maps, and help drive initiatives that improve water safety and public health outcomes. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working at the forefront of data-driven public health.
Primary Responsibilities:
Collect, organize, and maintain private well and groundwater data from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility.
Identify trends, generate insights, and support reporting for public health programs and policy decisions.
Create dashboards, maps, and infographics that make water data easy to understand for partners, stakeholders, and the public.
Work closely with MDH teams, local governments, and community organizations to meet data and reporting needs.
Provide expertise to inform water policy, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.
This position is currently eligible for up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles of the work location. The telework policy exempts employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement to help the State of Minnesota benefit from top talent in every corner of the state. Position locations will be determined by the top candidate and will be based out one of the following MDH district office locations: St. Paul, St. Cloud, Duluth, Rochester, Marshall, Bemidji, Fergus Falls.
Minimum Qualifications
3 years of experience in environmental data management, public health data analysis, or a closely related field, including working with large datasets related to water quality, groundwater, or environmental monitoring.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:
Demonstrated experience ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency of datasets, including integrating data from multiple sources and formats to support decision-making.
Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights to inform program decisions, policy recommendations and public health strategies.
Proven ability to work with internal teams, external partners and community stakeholders to understand data needs, share insights, and support program goals.
A Bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, hydrology, data science, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience; a Master's degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience, or a Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience designing and maintaining dashboards, maps, and infographics that effectively communicate complex water quality or public health data to diverse audiences.
Proficiency using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) to analyze, map, and visualize groundwater, private well, or environmental datasets. Familiarity with environmental or sample data software (e.g., EQuIS)
Experience with data analysis tools or programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, Tableau, or Power BI to interpret large datasets and generate actionable insights.
Understanding of hydrology, groundwater, private well systems, or environmental/public health principles relevant to water safety and monitoring.
Demonstrated ability to work with internal teams, local governments, community organizations, and other state agencies to meet data needs, support policy development, and improve water programs.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
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.
