Working Title: Groundwater Monitoring Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 1
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 91623
Location : Rochester
Telework Eligible : Yes
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 02/02/2026.
Date Posted : 01/26/2026
Closing Date : 02/09/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Pesticide & Fertilizer Management Division / Groundwater Unit Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am - 4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 50% of the time
Salary Range: $27.35 - $37.26 / hourly; $57,106 - $77,798 / 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.
This position is located in Rochester and may have the ability to telework 50% after a probationary period. Must be available for reasonable travel, including some overnight stays.
This position will coordinate and collect water quality samples from groundwater and surface water monitoring locations to assess the impacts of agricultural chemicals on water resources in Minnesota. This position will also be responsible for researching, compiling and managing data associated with water quality monitoring and reporting on the data collected.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
One (1) year of work experience collecting water samples utilizing water quality monitoring equipment and conducting data analysis. NOTE: A bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, environmental science, or a closely related degree that contains a minimum of two courses in hydrogeology, hydrology, or related groundwater classes may substitute for one (1) year of work experience. All applicants who are invited to interview may be required to submit a copy of their college transcript(s) prior to the interview.
Demonstrated ability and working knowledge of common water quality monitoring equipment and methods and of the principles of hydrogeology, hydrology, soil science, and contaminant transport.
Strong project coordination skills utilizing common computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, and GIS applications.
The ability to communicate one-on-one and to write clear and concise technical reports and the ability to effectively represent MDA before a variety of groups relative to social, economic and environmental issues.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review. Occasional overnight travel may also be required.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor's or advanced degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology or a closely related field.
Licensure as a professional geoscientist by the state of Minnesota or licensure as a professional geoscientist by another equivalent state or eligibility for licensure in Minnesota by comity. The state and license number must be submitted in order to be considered.
Experience effectively communicating complex findings to a general audience.
Extensive experience related to completing specific tasks following established protocols including the collection of groundwater and surface water samples utilizing a variety of equipment and techniques.
The ability to perform statistical and trend analysis on water quality monitoring data.
Direct experience (including farming experience) or significant training in use and management of pesticides or inorganic fertilizers in an agricultural setting.
Experience with GIS and hydrological modeling and practical experience developing and managing large data sets.
Physical Requirements
This position requires difficult physically demanding labor, long workdays, outdoor work in sometimes harsh conditions, and strict attention to details and protocol. This position requires heavy lifting, digging with shovels, negotiating trails through wooded, overgrown, or otherwise obstructed pathways which may be flat, but are also likely to be quite steep and occasionally rocky. This position requires work in physically challenging environments including cold, windy, wet, and snowy conditions during winter months, as well as rainy, hot or humid conditions in the summer. The person in this position must be capable of functioning to a high level of precision and accuracy in adverse weather conditions. The incumbent must be able to independently collect samples from wells in any season.
Additional Requirements
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.
A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:
SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
Employment Reference Check
Driver's License Check
Conflict of Interest Review
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.
