Working Title: MAWQCP Certification Assessment and Research Coordinator
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Job ID : 92864
Location : St. Paul
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 03/23/2026.
Date Posted : 03/17/2026
Closing Date : 03/23/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Division/Unit : Agriculture-Saint Paul / MAWQC Technical Staff
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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 Quality
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 is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework. Must be available for reasonable travel, including some overnight stays and weekend events.
This position exists to coordinate all certification processes and among all local, state, federal agency and private industry certification personnel to achieve program goals and incorporating work product for the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP), United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, other state and federal agencies with Clean Water Act and other regulating authorities, and private industry certifications, credit markets and trading mechanisms. Working with the Ag Conservation Services Section Manager, the MAWQC Technical Supervisor and staff, the Commissioner's office, other managers and staff, this position is responsible for all state and national certification assessment processes, including evaluation of agricultural conservation assessment policies and methods relative to water quality, practice adoption, systems promotion and outcome goals. The position coordinates multiple partners, including in development of reports respective to all areas of work responsibility. This position coordinates and supports local, state and federal public personnel and private entities in program design and delivery. Actions and materials must be consistent with and in compliance with the MAWQCP and MDA's overall mission, goals, and objectives.
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.
Three years of professional experience in environmental project management or site assessments working with water resource or agricultural issues; A Bachelor's degree in an agricultural, environmental, or water resources science or a closely related field may substitute for one year.
Ability to transfer technical scientific concepts and research findings to agricultural producers, agency personnel and the general public.
Working knowledge of agricultural production and resource conservation practices and management in Minnesota.
Working knowledge of agricultural conservation programs and government agencies.
Excellent organizational, project management, data management, oral and written communication, and analytic skills.
The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
Preferred Qualifications
M.S. or higher in agronomy, water resources science; or in an agricultural, environmental, water resources or closely related field.
Possess CCA or CPAg status from the American Society of Agronomy, CPCC from National Association of Independent Crop Consultants or NRCS Certified Conservation Planner level 3.
Work history coordinating projects or process evaluation related to agriculture or natural resources conservation assessment data.
Experience working in Minnesota with agricultural producers and public agencies.
Experience managing research or other assessment data records.
Detailed experience coordinating projects or complying with agricultural or water related government rules, statutes, ordinances or policy.
Physical Requirements
Field visits will entail moderate walking in outdoor conditions encountered potentially throughout all four seasons. Some lifting may be required, less than 50 lbs. Ability to work seated and on keyboard for long periods is required.
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.