Bemidji Area Hydrologist - Area Hydrologist

Working Title:
Bemidji Area Hydrologist

Job Class:
Natural Resources Area Hydrologist

• Job
• Location:
  
  Bemidji
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes, up to 40% upon successful completion of probationary period
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/21/2026
• Closing Date: 08/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday
  - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes
  - Field visits for site inspections or data collection, meetings with local governmental units, etc.
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / 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:
  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.

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Natural Resources Area Hydrologist located in Bemidji, Minnesota. This position exists to ensure sustainability of the state's water resources through management of the activities of the public within a geographic work area comprised of Lake of the Woods, Clear Water, and Beltrami counties. This position also completes work assignments that involve statewide projects and/or policy.

• Provide early coordination on proposed ideas and projects which will affect natural resources, and review formal environmental review documents so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistent with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws.
• Ensure water resource projects conducted within public waters are completed and sustained in accordance with applicable State statutes and rules.
• Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to state agencies, local government units, watershed districts, lake, river, and watershed associations and other teams in the development of watershed studies, including major Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS).
• Provide planning and technical expertise to help local government units, interest groups and landowners develop and implement projects designed to protect or restore watershed functions with the goal of restoring impaired waters and protecting unimpaired waters, ultimately through long-term restoration or protection of ecosystem health.
• Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
• Conduct technical analysis and provide assistance to the general public, local units of government and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted to guide sustainable management of our water resources.
• Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and other governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

• 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

• Three hydrology qualifying courses in the areas of:
  Hydrology, Hydraulics, Hydrogeology/Groundwater Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrologic Modeling, Watershed Management, Groundwater, Fluid Mechanics, fluvial geomorphology, or
• Two hydrology qualifying courses and two courses (or equivalent experience) in:
  Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils

• At least three (3) years of professional experience 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 (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of hydrology, geology, hydraulics,…