Working Title: Monitoring Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 91894
Location : Detroit Lakes
Telework Eligible : Yes - Up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/03/2026
Closing Date : 02/23/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Travel needed for stream monitoring
Salary Range: $27.35 - $37.26 / hourly; $57,106 - $77,798 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc 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.
The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire one (1) permanent full-time Hydrologist 1, located in Detroit Lakes, MN. This position will collect, manage, and analyze hydrologic data to support science-based water resources management decision-making.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Support the operation and maintenance of DNR EWR's stream, lake and groundwater data collection programs so that sound data are available for water resources management, planning and problem solving.
Assist in the organization and management of Water Monitoring and Surveys data so that data are accurate and accessible.
Assist with the processing, review and archival of surface water and groundwater data.
Perform other assigned tasks so that priority technical support services are delivered professionally.
Conduct year-round, sometimes under adverse weather conditions, weekly field trips across the state. Overnight up to 5 days per week on occasion and 1 to 2 days per week regularly.
Install and maintain water monitoring equipment which includes lifting and carrying equipment up to 50 lbs over rugged terrain.
This position may require traversing a significant degree on uneven terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.
Minimum Qualifications
Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Hydrology, Forest Hydrology, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, Soil Science, Water Resources Management, Hydraulics, Environmental Science, Earth Science, or related major.
Transcript requirements:
Three hydrology qualifying courses in the areas of: Hydrology, Hydraulics, Hydrogeology/Groundwater Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrologic Modeling, Watershed Management, Groundwater, Fluid Mechanics, fluvial geomorphology; OR
Two hydrology qualifying courses and two courses (or equivalent experience) in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils
Additional qualifications:
Technical knowledge of hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, principles and practices of water resource management.
Technical knowledge of land surveying, groundwater and stream flow measurement procedures and use of hydrologic monitoring equipment.
Knowledge of hydrologic data collection, compilation and review including database, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing applications to compile, analyze and present hydrologic data.
Ability to safely operate a larger vehicle/trailer combination and work with common tools and small engines.
Ability to communicate and work effectively as a team member, follow policies and procedures while consistently conducting oneself in a cooperative and courteous manner.
Personal skills to work independently and solve problems in remote locations.
Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities in a safe manner by following correct work procedure and using required personal protective equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience installing and maintaining hydrologic monitoring equipment.
Experience using Acoustic Doppler and standard stream flow monitoring equipment and groundwater level monitoring equipment.
Experience compiling water quantity records using standard USGS procedures.
Experience in utilizing the WISKI database (or similar hydrologic database) for groundwater, surface water and climate data workup.
Experience in computer modeling, database management, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, or other mapping, information system and computerized analytical tools.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
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.
