Working Title: DWP Geospatial Research Specialist
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Health Department
Job ID : 95954
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers through 09/23/2026
Date Posted : 08/12/2026
Closing Date : 09/23/2026
Hiring Agency : Health Department
Division/Unit : Environmental Health /Drinking Water Protection/Technical Services
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
Bargaining Unit : 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 being re-posted. If you previously applied, you do not need to reapply to be considered.
Are you passionate about public health? The Drinking Water Protection Section (DWP) of the Environmental Health Division at MDH is seeking a Geospatial Research Specialist. This position exists to lead informatics research and infrastructure around geospatial data collection and analysis to support statewide collection and use of geospatial data. The purpose of this position is to provide an advanced level of geospatial, analytical, data science, and organizational skills to develop and implement business processes that support the geospatial expertise and coordination in the DWP Section. The person in this position serves as the DWP GIS data management expert.
Primary responsibilities include:
Maintain and enhance DWP's data infrastructure to support GIS, reporting, and operational needs.
Lead efforts to acquire, standardize, and improve the exchange of data with external agencies while serving as the primary coordinator for data integrations initiatives.
Support GIS operations by expanding available datasets, improving access to spatial information, and providing technical expertise and training to staff.
Provide geospatial related data analysis, data availability, and data management expertise for the DWP Section to support standardization of data pulls, modernization of scripts, and advances in geospatial data analytics.
In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf) , 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 statewithin50 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.
MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.
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 . Only applicants with resumes that clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.
Four (4) years of experience performing research activities to support programmatic objectives. Experience must include all of the following:
Performing GIS activities to enhance data infrastructure, reporting, and business processes.
Performing geospatial-related data analysis and evaluation, including executing geoprocessing workflows using Python (ArcPy).
Providing data expertise and technical assistance and training to various stakeholder groups.
Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:
Written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge of data informatics trends and research using GIS applications and advanced analytics.
Knowledge of public health concepts and related data management best practices.
Degree Equivalences:
A related associate degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience. A related bachelor's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A related master's degree may be substituted for eighteen (18) months of experience. A related doctorate degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Degree in environmental science, health informatics, statistics, epidemiology, public health, or closely related field.
Experience conducting advanced geospatial related research and analytics.
Experience leading cross-functional project teams.
Experience performing data infrastructure analysis, evaluation, and documentation, and developing and implementing business processes.
Additional Requirements
This position requires successful completion of a reference check.
This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand occasional travel which the candidate will be 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.
