Working Title: Bemidji Area Hydrologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Area Hydrologist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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Job ID: 95561
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Location: Bemidji
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Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 40% upon successful completion of probationary period
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/21/2026
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Closing Date: 08/10/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
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Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: Yes - Field visits for site inspections or data collection, meetings with local governmental units, etc.
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Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Natural Resources Area Hydrologist located in Bemidji, Minnesota. This position exists to ensure sustainability of the state's water resources through management of the activities of the public within a geographic work area comprised of Lake of the Woods, Clear Water, and Beltrami counties. This position also completes work assignments that involve statewide projects and/or policy.
Responsibilities:
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Provide early coordination on proposed ideas and projects which will affect natural resources, and review formal environmental review documents so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistent with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws.
- Ensure water resource projects conducted within public waters are completed and sustained in accordance with applicable State statutes and rules.
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Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to state agencies, local government units, watershed districts, lake, river, and watershed associations and other teams in the development of watershed studies, including major Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS).
- Provide planning and technical expertise to help local government units, interest groups and landowners develop and implement projects designed to protect or restore watershed functions with the goal of restoring impaired waters and protecting unimpaired waters, ultimately through long-term restoration or protection of ecosystem health.
- Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.
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Conduct technical analysis and provide assistance to the general public, local units of government and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted to guide sustainable management of our water resources
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Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and other governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.
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.
Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.
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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):
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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
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Two hydrology qualifying courses and two courses (or equivalent experience) in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils
Applicants must also demonstrate the following:
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At least three (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, geology, hydraulics, engineering methods and modeling, watershed management, and natural resource management
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Ability to resolve conflicts that arise between competing users of available water resource supplies
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide training to all levels of government officials, the public, and other DNR employees
- Ability to evaluate and supply technical reports, provide critical reviews, make decisions, and render solutions to water resource management problems
- Knowledge of zoning principles
- Knowledge of erosion and stormwater control systems
- Ability to organize and present expert testimony for departmental programs and policies
- Knowledge of coordinated resource management, ecosystem management, economics, computer systems, and law enforcement.
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Advanced degree in 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
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Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of underlying laws, rules and policies that guide the Department's water and related land use management programs, and legislative and political processes.
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Experience in Total Maximum Daily Load planning and major watershed restoration and protection strategies.
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Experience working with Watershed Districts and Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.
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Experience and knowledge of public drainage ditch law, surface, and subsurface drainage systems.
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification Verification
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Tom Groshens at [email protected] or 218-830-9292.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Joshua Swanson at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
