Regional Groundwater Specialist - Environmental Specialist 4

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 : 01/22/2024

• 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.

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.

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.

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 ~~~ or email ~~~ . Please indicate what assistance is needed.