Working Title: Board Conservationist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal - Water & Soil Resources
Agency: Water & Soil Resources Board
Job ID : 91624
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : Yes (Hybrid)
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 01/28/2026.
Date Posted : 01/22/2026
Closing Date : 02/04/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Water and Soil Resources Board
Division/Unit : Regional Operations Division/Northern Region
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes (up to 25%)
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Job Class Option : Water & Soil Resources
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.
This position will located out of the Bemidji or Detroit Lakes office and may have the option to telework.
This position is responsible for interagency coordination within their assigned work area in order for BWSR to carry out its statutory responsibilities under M.S. Chapters 103 A, B, C, D, E, and the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. This position exists to provide technical, leadership assistance, and implementation guidance to BWSR staff, soil and water conservation districts, watershed management organizations, cities, joint powers boards and watershed districts, counties and other grant recipients involved in preparing and implementing water quality and quantity restoration and protection projects, practices, and BWSR approved and locally adopted plans. This position provides fiscal and administrative oversight and guidance, technical training, and planning assistance to local units of government involved in implementing local comprehensive water and land management programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience in water and soil resource management, hydrology, watershed management, water quality practices, land use planning or a closely related technical field. NOTE: A degree in Hydrology, Geology, Water and Land Management, Soil Science Environmental Science, Civil/Agricultural/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field may substitute work experience as follows: Associate degree substitutes six (6) months, bachelor's degree substitutes one (1) year, master's degree substitutes eighteen (18) months.
Knowledge of the structure, organizational procedures and inter-organizational dynamics of local, regional, state, tribal, and federal government and their boards, commissions, agencies and affiliated associations.
Knowledge of political and fiscal processes related to water and soil conservation planning and implementation programs or knowledge of Minnesota Statutes 103A, 103B, 103C, 103D, 103E, and the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment.
Oral and written communication skills that include the ability to explain technical matters to the staff and officials of local government units, tribal governments, non-government organizations, and the general public.
Negotiation, mediation, and interpersonal management skills to resolve personnel and interagency conflict.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with the acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor's degree or higher in Hydrology, Geology, Water and Land Management, Soil Science Environmental Science, Civil/Agricultural/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
More than three (3) years of experience in water and soil resource management, hydrology, watershed management, water quality practices, land use planning or a closely related technical field.
Experience working for or with local government units.
Procedural understanding of the grant programs administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.
Additional Requirements
The Board of Water and Soil Resources will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
It is the policy of the Board of Water & Soil Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:
Employment Reference Check
SEMA4 Records Check
Criminal History Check
Conflict of Interest Review
Education/License Verification
Driver's License DMV 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.
