Water Policy Specialist

Job Details

Working Title: Water Policy Specialist

Job Class: Agency Policy Specialist - Water Resources

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 89089
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 10/20/2025.
• Date Posted: 10/14/2025
• Closing Date: 11/07/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Clean Water Technical Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $ $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually
• Job Class Option: Water Resources
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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

This position is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework. Must be available for reasonable travel, including some overnight stays and weekend events.

This position exists to serve as a policy resource to support non-point source water protection activities for agricultural chemicals (pesticides and fertilizer) in the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division (PFMD) of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This is accomplished by helping research, develop and implement MDA and state policies that will protect the water resources of Minnesota from contamination while supporting a competitive and profitable agricultural economy. Actions and policies must be consistent with management instructions and in compliance with MDA's overall mission, goals, and objectives. The position will routinely represent the PFMD and MDA on interagency and other teams and work groups, and will communicate frequently on water policy issues with the media, legislature and interested groups.

Qualifications
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.

• A bachelor's degree in an agricultural, environmental or water resources science AND two years of experience in developing environmental or agricultural rules, policy, or technical guidelines OR three years of experience in developing environmental or agricultural rules, policy, or technical guidelines;
• Project management or leadership experience related to agriculture or the environment including direct experience with strategic planning, development/implementation of work plans, and budgets;
• Ability to transfer technical scientific concepts and research findings to growers, agency personnel and the general public;
• Demonstrated advanced understanding of the water issues that are relevant to agricultural chemicals in the diverse environmental and hydrogeologic settings of Minnesota;
• A working knowledge of the specific nutrient and pesticide state BMPs, NRCS conservation practices and cropping systems of Minnesota;
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable monitor vehicle record subject to review and be able to travel overnight on occasion;
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or higher in: law; management or public administration; environmental policy; water resources science; or in an agricultural, environmental, water resources or closely related field;
• Advanced knowledge of NRCS and USDA agricultural policies, program and procedures relevant to Minnesota;
• More than five years of experience working on agricultural issues with farmers, the ag industry, extension, government agencies, or affiliated research entities in Minnesota;
• More than five years of experience in a project management or leadership role related to agriculture or the environment including direct experience with strategic planning, work plans and budgets;
• Three or more years of experience working with the Minnesota legislature;
• Extensive experience working with the development or implementation of agricultural or water related government rules, statutes, ordinances or policy.

Additional Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Driver's License Check
• Conflict of Interest Review

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 or email For additional information about the application process, go to

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Reid Christianson at

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 Lauren Daniels at

About Minnesota Department of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans' quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.

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 )

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 or email and let us know the support you need.

---