Hydrogeologist - Hydrologist 2

The Hydrogeologist - Hydrologist 2 position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency involves conducting hydrologic evaluations at closed landfills, assessing risks to health and the environment, and preparing closure documents. Candidates need a relevant Bachelor's degree, two years of experience, and basic computer skills. The job is full-time with eligibility for telework and requires some travel for site inspections. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential.
About the position

The Hydrogeologist - Hydrologist 2 position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) involves performing hydrologic evaluations at permitted closed landfills. The incumbent will be responsible for reviewing MPCA records to determine the closure or postclosure status of various sites, assessing the risks to human health and the environment, and coordinating the review and preparation of closure documents in collaboration with staff engineers. This role is critical in ensuring regulatory oversight of closed landfills and in approving facilities for exiting the postclosure care period. The position is full-time and eligible for telework, with a work schedule from Monday to Friday during day shifts. The incumbent will be expected to travel up to 10% of the time for site inspections and evaluations. Candidates for this position must possess a Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources Management, Soil Science, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a closely related environmental field, along with two completed courses in Hydrology/Hydrogeology. Additionally, a minimum of two years of professional experience as a Hydrologist or in a similar role is required, with experience in evaluating groundwater flow and understanding the fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater. The role also demands basic computer skills, proficiency in Microsoft Word, and exposure to Excel and PowerPoint, as well as the ability to understand environmental regulatory processes and statistical data analysis methods. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to maintain good working relationships with various stakeholders. Preferred qualifications include advanced technical writing skills related to environmental remediation, proficiency with GIS, and experience in public communication efforts regarding health or environmental projects. Physical requirements for the job include conducting landfill inspections, which may involve walking on slopes and uneven ground, as well as occasionally lifting and carrying equipment and files. A valid Class D driver's license is essential for this position, and the job offer is contingent upon verification of this license and a satisfactory driving record check.

Responsibilities
• Perform hydrologic evaluations at permitted closed landfills.
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• Review MPCA records to determine closure or postclosure status of sites.
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• Assess risks to human health and the environment.
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• Coordinate reviews and preparation of closure documents with staff engineers.
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• Determine priorities for regulatory oversight of closed landfills.
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• Approve facilities for exiting the postclosure care period.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources Management, Soil Science, Environmental Health, Environmental Science, or a closely related environmental field.
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• Two completed courses in Hydrology/Hydrogeology.
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• Two years of professional experience as a Hydrologist or equivalent.
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• Experience evaluating groundwater flow and understanding fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater.
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• Basic computer skills; proficiency in Word and exposure to Excel and PowerPoint.
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• Ability to understand the environmental regulatory process and procedures.
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• Knowledge of statistical principles and methods of data analysis.
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• Good communication skills and ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.

Nice-to-haves
• Demonstrated ability to bring projects to a satisfactory conclusion.
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• Problem-solving skills for resolving complex technical matters.
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• Experience with public communication efforts on health or environmental projects.
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• Proven written and verbal communication and human relations skills to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
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• Advanced technical writing skills related to the remediation of contaminated soil, groundwater, and vapors.
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• Proficiency with GIS.
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• Ability to make environmental regulatory decisions based on data.

Benefits