Compliance Hydrologist - Hydrologist 2

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 64,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Compliance Hydrologist to safeguard water resources through regulation, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The role focuses on sustainable management of central/southeast Minnesota waters, Calc Fen protection, and public water protections.

Based in St. Paul with day shift and travel within the region, the position offers full-time, exempt status and telework up to 50% as part of a flexible arrangement.

Qualifications

• Three hydrology qualifying courses or two hydrology courses plus two in geology/geography-related topics.
• Two years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology or regulatory work.
• Experience with technical writing and data presentation.
• Experience with databases and data submission workflows.

Responsibilities

• Ensure projects comply with water use statutes and rules.
• Support enforcement, restoration, and Calc Fen protection efforts.
• Provide technical guidance to staff, governments, and stakeholders.
• Promote sustainable water resource conservation and management programs.

Skills

Hydrology

Water resources management

Technical writing

Data analysis

ArcGIS Pro

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering / Environmental related

Master's degree (preferred/substitution)

Tools

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

Working Title: Compliance Hydrologist

Job Class: Hydrologist 2

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 96101

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 08/26/2026

• Closing Date : 09/15/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes - regular travel within the region, occasional overnights

• Salary Range: $30.76 - $45.26 / hourly; $64,226 - $94,502 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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 fill one (1) permanent full-time Compliance Hydrologist position located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position exists to ensure sustainability of central/southeast Minnesota’s water and natural resources through water use regulation and water supply management, technical analysis, project impact assessment, waters of the state protection, and collaborative engagement with citizens, businesses, local governments, and other stakeholders. The position also completes district and region-wide projects and supports Division-wide initiatives, including compliance and Calciferous Fen (Calc Fen) protection.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure projects affecting water use appropriation and associated public waters comply with applicable statutes and rules.

• Support enforcement, restoration, and monitoring activities, including Calc Fen protection.

• Provide technical guidance to DNR staff, local governments, and stakeholders to support informed decision making in water and watershed management.

• Promote and implement sustainable water resource conservation and management programs.

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.

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 requirements:

• 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.

Additional minimum qualifications:

• Two (2) years of professional experience in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, hydrogeology, hydrologic modeling, geochemistry or regulatory work.

• A Master's in the appropriate major (see the above education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.

• Experience collecting surface water or groundwater data.

• Experience with technical writing and ability to draft documents that are clear, organized, and grammatically sound.

• Experience working in databases, such as database entry or preparing data for database submittal.

• Technical knowledge of hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, principles and practices of water resource management.

• Technical knowledge of land surveying, groundwater and stream flow measurement procedures, and/or use of hydrologic monitoring equipment.

• Knowledge of hydrologic data collection, compilation and review including database, spreadsheet, and desktop publishing applications to compile, analyze and present hydrologic data.

• Ability to effectively communicate and work as a team member and follow policies and procedures while consistently conducting oneself in a cooperative and courteous manner.

• Ability to perform all duties and responsibilities in a safe manner by following correct work procedure and using required personal protective equipment.

• Ability to work independently in the field during all four seasons in potentially adverse weather and environmental conditions.

• Ability to plan and track work amidst competing demands to ensure work products are completed in a timely manner.

• Work experience with mapping applications such as ArcGIS Pro.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.

• Knowledge of and experience applying water regulations, statutes, rules, and policies.

• Knowledge of aquifer test data analysis methods and experience analyzing data from aquifer tests.

• Experience with surface water and/or groundwater modeling.

• Knowledge of and experience with well drilling methods.

• Experience working with data loggers, pressure transducers, Acoustic Doppler and standard stream flowing monitoring equipment, and/or weather stations.

• Experience with database management.

Additional Requirements

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:

• Conflict of Interest Review

• Criminal History Check

• Education Verification

• Employment Reference / Records Check

• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.