Public Water Protection Hydrologist - Hydrologist

Overview

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one permanent full-time Hydrologist 2 position located in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. The work focuses on sustaining Central Minnesota's watersheds through water management activities in the 10-county North District of the Central Region. The position will work with Public Water and Groundwater Protection, ensure compliance with state laws, rules, and permits, and provide technical assistance to local units of government on water-related land use matters.

• Working Title:
  
  Public Water Protection Hydrologist
• Job Class:
  Hydrologist 2
• Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
• Job
• Location:
  
  Sauk Rapids
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/28/2026
• Closing Date: 06/26/2026
• Division/Unit:
  Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes, as needed for field work and meetings
• Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 annually
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt - Professional
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

• Ensure water resource projects conducted within public waters or appropriating water are completed and sustainable following applicable state statutes and rules.
• Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
• Conduct technical analysis and provide quality assistance to the public, local government units, and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations can be correctly interpreted. This includes quantitative as well as qualitative information.
• Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
• Lead in coordinating DNR resources with local, regional, and state land and water protection organizations and partnerships.
• Review formal environmental review documents and steer project proposers to appropriate agencies and staff so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistently with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws and rules.

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 of Science degree in Environmental or Agricultural Engineering;
  Forest Hydrology;
  Geography;
  Geology;
  Geophysics;
  Hydrogeology;
  Hydrology;
  Ecology;
  Natural Resources and Environmental Studies;
  Soil Science, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Studies, or related major.

• Three qualifying hydrology 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 2 years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, geochemistry, or regulatory work. An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in the appropriate major may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Understanding of hydrology, ecology, geology, hydraulics, engineering methods and modeling, watershed management, and natural resource management.
• Ability to resolve conflicts that arise between competing users of available water resource supplies.
• Ability to evaluate technical reports, provide critical reviews, make decisions, and solve water resource…