Job Description
Job Details Working Title: Regional Groundwater Specialist Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4 Agency: Health Department - Job ID : 82157
- Location : St. Cloud
- Telework Eligible : Yes
- Full/Part Time : Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
- Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 01/14/2025.
- Date Posted : 01/08/2025
- Closing Date : 01/22/2025
- Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- Division/Unit : Environmental Health (EH) - Drinking Water Protection (DWP)
- Work Shift/Work Hours : Day shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
- Days of Work : Monday - Friday
- Travel Required : Yes, up to 50% of the time
- Salary Range: $34.18 - $50.69 / hourly; $71,367 - $105,840 / annually
- Classified Status : Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Associate of Professional Employees (MAPE)
- FLSA Status : Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : 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.
Job Summary Join a mission-driven team in the Source Water Protection Unit of Environmental Health and contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans. As a Regional Groundwater Specialist, you will provide technical assistance and information to local Government units (LGU's) in Central Minnesota to support the protection of groundwater resources. The position will expand and support local government capabilities in the implementation of priority groundwater protection strategies identified in State and local watershed, drinking water and groundwater protection plans. The position will be responsible for fostering partnerships and interagency collaboration necessary to protect the regions aquifers and groundwater.
Primary Responsibilities: - Act as an advanced technical lead on groundwater issues, supporting local government units (LGUs) and state agencies to enhance the capacity and capability of Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) partners in protecting groundwater resources.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of Central Minnesota's geology, groundwater systems, and resource concerns.
- Apply this expertise to develop and implement conservation-focused solutions and strategies aimed at ensuring the long-term protection and sustainability of groundwater and drinking water in the region.
- Possess knowledge and local insight about of the region's urban and agricultural land uses that can impact groundwater resources as well as the opportunities and potential solutions needed to mitigate impacts.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications - Three (3) years of experience collaborating with local governments, state or federal partners to implement conservation practices and programs in partnership with landowners.
Associate's degree in environmental, agronomy sciences, hydrology or closely related field may be substituted for six (6) months of experience.
Bachelor's degree in environmental, agronomy sciences, hydrology or closely related field may be substituted for (12) months of experience.
Master's degree in environmental, agronomy sciences, hydrology or closely related field may be substituted for (18) months of experience.
PhD in environmental, agronomy sciences, hydrology or closely related field may be substituted for (24) months of experience.
Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview: - Demonstrated understanding of the challenges and opportunities to protect local groundwater and drinking water supplies through the delivery of State or Federal Conservation Practices and Programs.
- Familiar with the Minnesota Department of Health's Source Water Protection Program and the implementation of drinking water protection measures across Minnesota.
- Ability to effectively communicate groundwater related information using a variety of methods working with landowners and government staff.
Preferred Qualifications - Advanced degree in environmental, agronomy sciences, hydrology or closely related field.
- Five or more years of experience managing and implementing conservation programs in collaboration with local governments, as well as state and federal partners, to deliver effective conservation practices.
- Knowledge of and experience with agronomy principles and programmatic knowledge of federal and state farm programs
- Knowledgeable about state conservation programs funded and administered by the State Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), as well as federal Farm Bill programs supported by USDA NRCS and FSA.
- Ability to demonstrate and measure protection of groundwater thru research, practices, and programs.
- Valid Driver's License.
Physical Requirements - Be able to sit, stand and walk for extended periods.
- Comfortable in rural agriculture areas and in field or farmstead settings.
Additional Requirements This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
This position does not require a driver's license but demands some travel that the candidate is responsible for meeting.
Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected] . For additional information about the application process, go to .
Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Alexis Isaacson at
[email protected] or 651-539-2266 .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexis Isaacson at
[email protected] .
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at
[email protected] About Health Department Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain, and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.
Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include: - Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals: - Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: - A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected] and let us know the support you need.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,