Hydrologist - Hydrologist 3

The Hydrologist 3 position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency involves managing cleanups and maintenance at contaminated sites, ensuring safety for human health and the environment. Responsibilities include data collection, hydrogeologic investigations, and mentoring junior hydrologists. Candidates need a relevant degree and experience in hydrology, along with strong communication and problem-solving skills. The role is based in Willmar, MN, indicating it is not a remote position.
About the position

The Hydrologist 3 position at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is a critical role focused on the management of cleanups and long-term operation and maintenance activities at various assigned sites. The primary responsibility of this position is to ensure that these sites do not pose a threat to human health or the environment through informed hydrogeologic decision-making. This involves a range of support activities including data collection, data review and analysis, database uploads, active remediation efforts, and assistance with land management and other special projects. The role requires a detailed understanding of the Closed Landfill Program (CLP) and a strong technical and scientific background in hydrogeology to make impactful decisions regarding safe drinking water supplies, ground and surface water resources, zoning ordinances, and budget considerations. In addition to managing cleanups, the Hydrologist 3 will provide hydrologic expertise at sites where contaminants have been released. This includes evaluating, conducting, directing, and coordinating hydrogeologic investigations to determine the extent and magnitude of contamination and the associated risks to impacted aquifers. The position demands a working knowledge of chemistry, toxicology, and hydrology, along with the ability to provide technical reviews and recommendations for complex closed landfill remediation projects. Leadership skills are also essential, as the incumbent will guide less-experienced hydrologists in their work. The MPCA is committed to equity and inclusion, investing in its employees through various benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. The work environment is dynamic, requiring effective communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills to navigate the complexities of environmental management and remediation.

Responsibilities
• Support overall management of cleanups and long-term operation and maintenance activities at assigned sites.
,
• Conduct hydrogeologic decision-making to ensure sites do not pose a threat to human health or the environment.
,
• Perform data collection, review, analysis, and database uploads related to remediation efforts.
,
• Assist in active remediation and land management projects.
,
• Evaluate, conduct, direct, and coordinate hydrogeologic investigations at sites with contaminant releases.
,
• Determine the extent and magnitude of contamination and assess risks to impacted aquifers.
,
• Provide technical review and recommendations for complex closed landfill remediation projects.
,
• Lead and mentor less-experienced hydrologists in their professional development.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, or a closely related field.
,
• Three years of professional experience as a Hydrologist or equivalent, including hydrologic project oversight.
,
• Working knowledge of chemistry, toxicology, and hydrology.
,
• Demonstrated ability to design, conduct, and coordinate hydrological field investigations.
,
• Good communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
,
• Possess a valid Class D Driver's license.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience working with closed landfills or other remediation projects.
,
• Knowledge of the Minnesota Landfill Cleanup Act and state and federal solid and hazardous waste rules.
,
• Technical knowledge of contaminant chemical characteristics and public health risks of petroleum releases.
,
• Ability to analyze complex technical data and reports effectively.
,
• Experience leading program staff and contractors to meet established timetables and quality standards.

Benefits
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
,
• Paid holidays and vacation time.
,
• Flexible scheduling options including telework eligibility.
,
• Professional development and training opportunities.
,
• Support for employees with disabilities through the Connect 700 Program.