Working Title: Hydrologist and Contractor Certification Lead
Job Class: Hydrologist 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 92276
Location : St. Cloud
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 3/03/2026.
Date Posted : 02/25/2026
Closing Date : 03/04/2026
Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Division/Unit : Environmental Health - Well Management Unit
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day shift, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, up to 75% of the time
Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
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.
Join a mission-driven team at the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and help protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are seeking an experienced and self-motivated Hydrologist 3 to serve as the Hydrologist and Contractor Certification Lead within the Well Management Section.
In this role, you will provide statewide leadership in ensuring safe well and boring construction, protecting groundwater resources, and enforcing Minnesota's Well Code. This position combines field inspections, regulatory enforcement, contractor certification oversight, and technical expertise in hydrology and groundwater protection. You will work independently while collaborating with contractors, local governments, and agency partners to promote compliance, resolve complex technical issues, and safeguard public health.
This is an opportunity to apply advanced hydrologic knowledge in a highly impactful regulatory role that supports environmental protection and safe drinking water across Minnesota.
Primary Responsibilities:
Conduct field inspections of well and boring construction and sealing to ensure compliance with Minnesota statutes and rules.
Investigate complaints and violations; draft enforcement actions and support corrective measures.
Manage certification and licensing processes for well and boring contractor representatives.
Coordinate safety program for section staff.
Provide technical guidance to contractors, local governments, and the public on groundwater protection and regulatory requirements.
Participate in training, special projects, and emergency response activities as needed.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.
Minimum Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience in hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, environmental compliance, groundwater protection, or a closely related field conducting technical evaluations, inspections, regulatory compliance activities, certification and licensing or enforcement actions related to wells, borings, water resources, or environmental programs.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:
Ability to independently conduct field inspections, investigate compliance issues, and apply regulatory requirements to protect wells, borings, and groundwater resources.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for providing technical guidance to contractors, government partners, and the public, and for documenting enforcement and program activities.
Proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities, including certification and licensing processes, enforcement actions, and special projects, while exercising sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations.
*A bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field will substitute for one (1) year of professional experience.
*A master's degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or a closely related field will substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.
*A doctoral degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering or closely related will substitute for two (2) years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental engineering, or a related field.
Experience interpreting and applying Minnesota statutes and rules related to well and boring construction, licensing, and groundwater protection.
Demonstrated experience conducting regulatory inspections, investigations, and enforcement actions in a technical or environmental program.
Experience managing licensing, certification, or credentialing programs, including reviewing applications and administering examinations.
Experience in developing and implementing safety programs for field and office staff.
Strong knowledge of hydrogeology, groundwater sampling, water quality analysis, and geologic investigation techniques, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to contractors, government partners, and the public, including developing training or educational materials.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work outdoors during all seasons.
Able to lift as much as 20 pounds for short time periods.
Able to frequently lift from ground to waist height, and from waist to shoulder height.
Able to walk on even/uneven or sloping ground, including snow covered ground, for up to a mile.
Perform gross and fine motor tasks, sometimes with unprotected fingers and hands, in varying indoor/outdoor temperature extremes.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver's license, however it does demand travel which the candidate is responsible for meeting.
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.
