Working Title: Park Rapids Area Hydrologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Area Hydrologist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 92097
Location: Park Rapids or Bemidji
Telework Eligible : Yes - Eligible for up to 40%, after completion of probationary period and continued satisfactory performance.
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/11/2026
Closing Date : 03/03/2026
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 - meetings and field visits
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,723 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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 DNR is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent NR Area Hydrologist in either Park Rapids or Bemidji MN. This position exists to ensure sustainability of the State's water resources within a geographic work area comprised of Cass, Hubbard, and Wadena counties. This position also completes work assignments that involve state-wide projects and/or policy.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Regulate activities affecting public waters by reviewing public waters permit applications in a consistent and timely manner to ensure compliance with applicable State statutes and rules, identifying potential resource impacts, and making permit decisions.
Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to state agencies, local government units, watershed districts, lake, river, and watershed associations and other teams in the development of watershed studies, including major Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS).
This position exists to conduct technical analysis and to provide quality assistance to the general public, local units of government and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted in a useful manner. This includes quantitative, as well as qualitative information.
Provide planning and technical expertise to local government units, interest groups and landowners to develop comprehensive watershed management plans and implement projects.
Conduct technical analysis and to provide assistance to the general public, local units of government and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted to guide sustainable management of our water resources
Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and other governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
Provide early coordination on proposed projects that affect natural resources and reviewing formal environmental review documents so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistent with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws and rules.
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 requirement(s):
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 requirements:
At least 3 years of total professional experience with at least 2 years advanced experience in water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning or regulation, or related technical or regulatory work.
An advanced degree in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of hydrology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geology, watershed management, and natural resource management.
Knowledge and understanding of the underlying laws, rules, and policies that guide the Department's water and related land use management programs and political processes.
Knowledge and understanding of hydrologic analyses and an ability to evaluate the impact of hydrology on riverine and lake systems
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local governmental units, state and federal agencies, conservation groups and individuals from the general public.
Ability to convey technical information to teams and individuals with diverse technical, social, cultural and educational backgrounds in ways that helps them understand the information and apply it to the situation at hand.
Ability to communicate effectively through writing, and public presentation, and experience developing, reviewing, and evaluating technical reports.
Knowledge and experience working with partners using coordinated resource management to identify issues and formulate solutions to water resource management problems.
Highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals and groups with diverse interests. Team building and leadership skills necessary to bring together diverse interests to accomplish common natural resource objectives
Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple time-sensitive and complex projects; plan and allocate time and resources as necessary; establish and meet deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience processing permit applications, including reviewing and interpreting relevant policies, procedures and laws, as applicable.
Advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.
Knowledge and experience working with state and federal resource management agencies, and local governmental units with an understanding of their respective authorities, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.
Experience with water resource planning and management in state, federal or local units of government.
Experience working with Watershed Districts and/or Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.
Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.
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.
