Working Title: Public Water Protection Hydrologist
Job Class: Hydrologist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 94406
Location : Sauk Rapids
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 : 05/28/2026
Closing Date : 06/26/2026
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, as needed for field work and meetings
Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN 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.
The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) permanent full-time Hydrologist 2 position located in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. This position ensures the sustainability of Central Minnesota's Watersheds through the Department's water management activities in the 10-county North District of the Central Region. The position will work with Public Water and Groundwater Protection as guided by MN rules and ensure compliance with State laws, rules, and permits. The position will also provide technical assistance to local units of government on water-related land use matters.
Responsibilities include:
Ensure water resource projects conducted within public waters or appropriating water are completed and sustainable following applicable state statutes and rules.
Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
Conduct technical analysis and provide quality assistance to the public, local government units, and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations can be correctly interpreted. This includes quantitative as well as qualitative information.
Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
Lead in coordinating DNR resources with local, regional, and state land and water protection organizations and partnerships.
Review formal environmental review documents and steer project proposers to appropriate agencies and staff so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistently 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 an annual telework agreement.
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 of Science degree in Environmental or Agricultural Engineering; Forest Hydrology; Geography; Geology; Geophysics; Hydrogeology; Hydrology; Ecology; Natural Resources and Environmental Studies; Soil Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, or related major.
Transcript requirements:
Three qualifying hydrology 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:
At least 2 years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, geochemistry, or regulatory work. An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
Understanding of hydrology, ecology, geology, hydraulics, engineering methods and modeling, watershed management, and natural resource management.
Ability to resolve conflicts that arise between competing users of available water resource supplies.
Ability to evaluate technical reports, provide critical reviews, make decisions, and solve water resource management problems.
Knowledge of zoning principles.
Ability to organize and present expert testimony for Departmental programs and policies.
Understanding of waste management systems, including feedlots and individual sewage treatment systems.
Understanding of erosion and stormwater control systems.
Considerable knowledge of coordinated resource management, ecosystem management, and enforcement of laws and regulations.
Ability to interact respectfully with coworkers and DNR cooperators.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Environmental or Agricultural Engineering; Forest Hydrology; Geography; Geology; Geophysics; Hydrogeology; Hydrology; Ecology; Natural Resources and Environmental Studies; Soil Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, or related major.
Experience in the underlying laws, rules, and policies that guide the Department's water and related land use management programs and political processes.
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.
