Hydrologist - Hydrologist 1

The State of Minnesota is hiring a Hydrologist 1 for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. This role involves expertise in soil science and groundwater hydrology to support NPDES and SDS permitting processes. Responsibilities include overseeing industrial byproduct programs, conducting hydrologic evaluations, developing policies for water protection, and writing permits. The position is full-time with telework options available, based in various locations across Minnesota.
About the position

The Hydrologist position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is a critical role that involves providing expertise in soil science and groundwater hydrology to support the agency's Industrial Wastewater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Disposal System (SDS) permitting processes. This position is responsible for overseeing the statewide industrial byproduct and wastewater irrigation program, which includes both internal and external training initiatives. The Hydrologist will conduct comprehensive hydrologic and hydrogeologic evaluations and reviews for new and existing industrial facilities that are undergoing permitting or environmental review. The primary goal of these evaluations is to assess the potential hydrologic and hydrogeologic impacts of these facilities, ensuring that the state can disclose potential impacts and require appropriate actions to minimize and monitor them as necessary. In addition to evaluations, the Hydrologist will develop program policies and technical guidance documents aimed at effective groundwater and surface water protection. The role also involves performing supplementary hydrologic and hydrogeologic analyses as needed and attending public meetings when required. The incumbent will be tasked with writing various Industrial NPDES and SDS permits, maintaining a thorough knowledge of state and federal regulations and scientific principles related to water resource management for industrial facilities. This position is full-time and may be located at various MPCA office locations across Minnesota, including Duluth, Brainerd, St. Paul, Rochester, Detroit Lakes, Marshall, or Mankato. Telework options are available, and the work schedule is primarily during the day from Monday to Friday.

Responsibilities
• Provide soil science and groundwater hydrology expertise for NPDES/SDS permitting.
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• Oversee the statewide industrial byproduct and wastewater irrigation program.
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• Conduct comprehensive hydrologic and hydrogeologic evaluations for industrial facilities.
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• Assess potential hydrologic and hydrogeologic impacts of facilities undergoing permitting.
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• Develop program policies and technical guidance documents for groundwater and surface water protection.
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• Perform supplementary hydrologic and hydrogeologic analyses as necessary.
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• Attend public meetings as required.
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• Write various Industrial NPDES and SDS permits.
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• Maintain knowledge of state and federal water resource management regulations.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Studies, Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Soil and Water Resource Management, or Soil Science.
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• Completion of at least two courses in Hydrology/Hydrogeology, listed on resume.
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• Basic computer skills; proficiency in Word and exposure to Excel and PowerPoint.
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• Good communication skills and ability to establish working relations with business partners.
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• Possess a valid Driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Degree in Geology or Hydrology/Hydrogeology.
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• Demonstrated ability to bring projects to satisfactory conclusions.
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• Problem-solving skills for resolving complex technical matters.
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• Proven written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
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• Experience with groundwater investigation and remediation methods.
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• Understanding of state and federal environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
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• Ability to work independently with minimal direction.
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• Good technical writing skills.

Benefits
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
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• Paid holidays and vacation time.
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• Retirement savings plan options.
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• Flexible scheduling and telework options.
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• Professional development opportunities.