Wellhead Protection Hydrologist - Hydrologist 3

Working Title: Wellhead Protection Hydrologist

Job Class: Hydrologist 3

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID : 87807

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes, hybrid

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 10/11/2025

• Date Posted : 10/03/2025

• Closing Date : 10/17/2025

• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health

• Division/Unit : Health Protection / Source Water Protection

• Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:00am-4:30pm

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, up to 25% of the time

• Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,433 - $107,428 / 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.

Join a mission-driven team at The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a Wellhead Protection Hydrologist in the Source Water Protection (SWP) Unit in Environmental Health, you will play a crucial role in safeguarding our drinking water resources. You will investigate complex hydrogeological systems, assess contamination risks, and develop strategies to protect public water systems, primarily in southeastern Minnesota. The Wellhead Protection Hydrologist will support the development and implementation of wellhead protection plans for public water suppliers, as specified under the state wellhead protection rules.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Lead Wellhead Protection Efforts: Oversee the development and implementation of wellhead protection plans.

• Safeguard Water Sources: Conduct hydrogeological assessments to identify and mitigate threats to drinking water.

• Collaborate with Stakeholders: Work with public water suppliers, regulatory agencies, and local communities to promote source water protection.

• Analyze Data: Interpret complex hydrogeological data to inform decision-making.

• Communicate Effectively: Present technical information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.

This position may have the option of teleworking up to 50% of the time based on the business needs and manager discretion. Commuting to the St. Paul office and other MDH office locations across the state may be required. Reimbursement for authorized business travel expenses is provided according to bargaining unit guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

Hydrologist 3:

(3) years of working experience in groundwater hydrology, this experience must include two or more of the following:

• Hydrogeologic site characterization and assessment in karst settings

• Interpretation of well records and groundwater chemistry data

• Preparation of technical reports related to groundwater issues in karst settings

• Groundwater modeling

AND

• Registered Professional Geologist or Engineer in Minnesota, or initiate the process for licensure within 12 months of hire.

*A bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil 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, or a closely related field will substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience.

*A doctoral degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, or engineering will substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Ability to communicate clearly, orally and in writing, to convey complex hydrogeological concepts and data to diverse stakeholders.

• Ability to work independently and to organize work to address numerous competing priorities.

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Professional Geologist in Minnesota

• An advanced degree in geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, geophysics, geological engineering, civil engineering, or a closely related field.

• Familiarity with southeastern Minnesota’s geologic formations and hydrologic systems.

• Ability to apply hydrogeologic principles in practical settings, develop and validate conceptual hydrogeological models, evaluate aquifer and confining unit characteristics, and analyze contaminant fate and transport.

• Experience conducting fieldwork in hydrogeologic investigations, including groundwater sampling, monitoring well installation, aquifer testing, and geological mapping.

• Ability to interpret geological maps, cross-sections, and drill core data to assess groundwater flow paths and identify potential aquifer vulnerabilities, particularly in karst settings.

• Strong familiarity with Microsoft Windows operating system, and geographical information system (GIS) software such as ArcGIS or QGIS.

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.