Hydrologist

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hiring a full-time District Water Appropriations Hydrologist in Fergus Falls, MN. The role focuses on managing groundwater appropriations to ensure sustainability, conducting technical analyses, and promoting resource conservation. The position offers a flexible work arrangement with potential for part-time telework, subject to approval. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and at least 3 years of professional hydrology experience.
This posting will be used to fill current or future positions at Fergus Falls. The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent District Water Appropriations Hydrologist in Fergus Falls. This position exists to ensure sustainability of the State’s groundwater resources through management of groundwater appropriations within the Ecological and Water Resources NW Region. The incumbent may also complete work assignments that involve state-wide projects and policy.

Responsibilities:
• This position exists to ensure groundwater resource uses are permitted and sustained in accordance with applicable State statutes and rules.
• This position exists to conduct technical analysis and to provide quality assistance to the general public, local units of government and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted in a useful manner. This includes quantitative, as well as qualitative information.
• This position exists to promote and implement groundwater resource conservation and sustainability.
• This position exists to develop and expand partnerships with the general public and governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
• Area Administration

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

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.
• Transcript requirement(s):
• 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 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, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geology, watershed management, and natural resource management.
• Knowledge and understanding of the underlying laws, rules, and policies that guide the Department's water and related land use management programs and political processes.
• Ability to resolve conflict between competing users of available groundwater resources supplies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local governmental units, state and federal agencies, conservation groups and individuals from the general public.
• Ability to evaluate and supply technical reports and critical reviews, make decisions, and solve water
• Knowledge of waste management systems, including feedlots and individual sewage treatment systems.
• Ability to organize and present expert testimony for Departmental programs and policies.
• Considerable knowledge of resource management, ecosystem management, economics, and law

Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.
• Knowledge and experience working with state and federal resource management agencies, and local governmental units with an understanding of their respective authorities, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.
• Experience with groundwater monitoring, installing and using groundwater monitoring equipment, data collection and management.
• Experience with water resource planning and management in state, federal or local units of government.
• Experience working with Watershed Districts and/or Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.
• Experience/coursework with GIS-based software applications (i.e. ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro)
• Experience with conflict resolution and communication of information in contentious or difficult situations.
• Experience with use of survey equipment.

Job ID: 85150

Application Deadline: 7/8/2025

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