Hydrologist - Hydrologist 1

The Hydrologist 1 position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency involves providing expertise in soil science and groundwater hydrology to support NPDES and SDS permitting processes. Responsibilities include overseeing wastewater programs, conducting hydrologic evaluations, developing policies for water protection, and attending public meetings. A bachelor's degree in relevant fields is required, along with knowledge of environmental regulations. This is a full-time role based in International Falls, MN.
About the position

The Hydrologist position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is a full-time role that plays a critical part in developing policies and providing essential services to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. This position is responsible for 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. The role involves oversight of the statewide industrial by-product and wastewater irrigation program, which includes both internal and external training initiatives. The Hydrologist will conduct comprehensive hydrologic and hydrogeologic evaluations and reviews associated with new and existing industrial facilities that are undergoing permitting and environmental review. This evaluation aims to assess and understand 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. Additionally, the position involves developing program policies and technical guidance documents to ensure effective groundwater and surface water protection. The incumbent will also perform supplementary hydrologic and hydrogeologic analyses as necessary, attend public meetings when required, and write various Industrial NPDES and SDS permits. A thorough knowledge of state and federal rules and science related to water resource management for industrial facilities is essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities
• Provide soil science and groundwater hydrology expertise to support NPDES/SDS permitting.
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• Oversee the statewide industrial by-product and wastewater irrigation program, including training.
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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 needed.
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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 rules and science.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Health, Environmental Studies, Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Soil and Water Resource Management, Soil Science, or Water Resource Management.
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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 maintain good working relations with 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
• Health insurance coverage
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• Paid holidays
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• Flexible scheduling options
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• Professional development opportunities
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Employee discount programs