District Groundwater Appropriation Hydrologist

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a highly skilled District Groundwater Appropriation Hydrologist to join our team in Mankato. As a key member of our Ecological and Water Resources team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of the state's groundwater resources through the management of water appropriations.

• Conduct technical analysis and provide quality assistance to Area Hydrologists, the public, local units of government, and other resource professionals to ensure accurate and useful interpretation of data, information, and regulations.
• Promote and implement groundwater resource conservation and sustainability.
• Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
• Provide lead work to volunteers, student interns, Hydrologist 1 or 2, OAS staff, and other staff as assigned.
• Help develop and deliver strategies and methods for water conservation by providing a regional review on local water supply planning, allocation, and protection planning for priority users while assisting with well-interference processing issues that are consistent with State statutes and rules.
• Ensure that large-volume water appropriators are permitted and sustained in accordance with applicable State statutes and rules.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in a safe and healthful manner by following correct work procedures and using required personal protective equipment to eliminate work-related illnesses and injuries.

• 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.
• At least 3 years of total professional experience with 2 years of advanced professional experience at the Hydrologist 2 level or equivalent 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 may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of hydrology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geology, watershed management, and natural resource management.
• Knowledge and understanding of the underlying laws, rules, and policies that guide the Department's water and related land use management programs and political processes.
• Ability to resolve conflict between competing users of available groundwater resources supplies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local governmental units, state and federal agencies, conservation groups, and individuals from the general public.
• Ability to evaluate and supply technical reports and critical reviews, make decisions, and solve water-related problems.
• Fundamental knowledge of zoning principles.
• Knowledge of waste management systems, including feedlots and individual sewage treatment systems.
• Understanding of erosion and stormwater control systems.
• Ability to organize and present expert testimony for Departmental programs and policies.
• Considerable knowledge of resource management, ecosystem management, economics, and law.

• Advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.
• Knowledge and experience working with state and federal resource management agencies, and local governmental units with an understanding of their respective authorities, programs, and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.
• Experience with groundwater monitoring, installing and using groundwater monitoring equipment, data collection, and management.
• Experience with water resource planning and management in state, federal, or local units of government.
• Experience working with Watershed Districts and/or Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.
• Experience/coursework with GIS-based software applications (i.e., ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro).
• Experience with conflict resolution and communication of information in contentious or difficult situations.
• Experience with use of survey equipment.

• This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
• 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.