Working Title: South Metro Area Hydrologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Area Hydrologist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 94737
Location : St. Paul
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 : 06/09/2026
Closing Date : 06/29/2026
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 within assigned work area
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / 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 hire one (1) full-time permanent Natural Resources Area Hydrologist located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This position exists to ensure sustainability of the state's water resources through management of the activities of the public within a geographic work area comprised of Scott, Carver, and Dakota counties. This position also completes work assignments that involve statewide projects and policy.
Responsibilities include:
Provide expertise in a variety of areas to help local government units, interest groups, and landowners restore and manage landscapes resulting in cleaner water and long-term ecosystem health. Utilize natural landscape options to create healthy watersheds including normalizing the hydrograph.
Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
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.
Provide early coordination on proposed ideas and projects which will 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.
Ensure water resource projects conducted within public waters are completed and sustained in accordance with applicable state statutes and rules.
Administer the operation and functions of the area office including budgetary and lead worker responsibilities.
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'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
Applicants must also demonstrate the following:
At least three (3) years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning or regulation, or related technical 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.
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of hydrology, 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide training to all levels of government officials, the public, and other DNR employees
Ability to evaluate and supply technical reports, provide critical reviews, make decisions, and render solutions to water resource management problems
Knowledge of zoning principles
Knowledge of erosion and stormwater control systems
Ability to organize and present expert testimony for departmental programs and policies
Knowledge of coordinated resource management, ecosystem management, economics, computer systems, law enforcement, and budget process
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in 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
Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of underlying laws, rules and policies that guide the Department's water and related land use management programs, and legislative and political processes.
Experience in Total Maximum Daily Load planning and major watershed restoration and protection strategies.
Experience working with Watershed Districts and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.
Experience and knowledge of public drainage ditch law, surface, and subsurface drainage systems.
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.
