DWP Geospatial Research Specialist - Research Scientist 3

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Drinking Water Protection Section within the Environmental Health Division at MDH in Minnesota seeks a Geospatial Research Specialist. This role leads informatics research and infrastructure for geospatial data collection and analysis to support statewide use and standardization.

Primary responsibilities include maintaining data infrastructure, coordinating data exchanges with external agencies, and expanding datasets with training and expertise for staff.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience performing research activities to support programmatic objectives.
• Performing GIS activities to enhance data infrastructure, reporting, and business processes.
• Performing geospatial-related data analysis and evaluation, including executing geoprocessing workflows using Python (ArcPy).
• Providing data expertise and technical assistance and training to various stakeholder groups.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance DWP's data infrastructure to support GIS, reporting, and operational needs.
• Lead efforts to acquire, standardize, and improve the exchange of data with external agencies while serving as the primary coordinator for data integrations initiatives.
• Support GIS operations by expanding available datasets, improving access to spatial information, and providing technical expertise and training to staff.
• Provide geospatial related data analysis, data availability, and data management expertise for the DWP Section to support standardization of data pulls, modernization of scripts, and advances in geospatial data analytics.

Skills

GIS activities

Geospatial analysis

Data management

Python (ArcPy)

Tools

ArcPy

Job description

DWP Geospatial Research Specialist - Research Scientist 3

Working Title: DWP Geospatial Research Specialist
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 95954
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers through 09/23/2026
• Date Posted: 08/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health /Drinking Water Protection/Technical Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Bargaining Unit: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

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.

Job Summary

This position is being re-posted. If you previously applied, you do not need to reapply to be considered.

Are you passionate about public health? The Drinking Water Protection Section (DWP) of the Environmental Health Division at MDH is seeking a Geospatial Research Specialist. This position exists to lead informatics research and infrastructure around geospatial data collection and analysis to support statewide collection and use of geospatial data. The purpose of this position is to provide an advanced level of geospatial, analytical, data science, and organizational skills to develop and implement business processes that support the geospatial expertise and coordination in the DWP Section. The person in this position serves as the DWP GIS data management expert.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Maintain and enhance DWP's data infrastructure to support GIS, reporting, and operational needs.
• Lead efforts to acquire, standardize, and improve the exchange of data with external agencies while serving as the primary coordinator for data integrations initiatives.
• Support GIS operations by expanding available datasets, improving access to spatial information, and providing technical expertise and training to staff.
• Provide geospatial related data analysis, data availability, and data management expertise for the DWP Section to support standardization of data pulls, modernization of scripts, and advances in geospatial data analytics.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering statewithin50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants with resumes that clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Four (4) years of experience performing research activities to support programmatic objectives. Experience must include all of the following:

• Performing GIS activities to enhance data infrastructure, reporting, and business processes.
• Performing geospatial-related data analysis and evaluation, including executing geoprocessing workflows using Python (ArcPy).
• Providing data expertise and technical assistance and training to various stakeholder groups.

Minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview process:

• Written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of data informatics trends and research using GIS applications and advanced analytics.
• Knowledge of public health concepts and related data management best practices.

Degree Equivalences:

A related associate degree may be substituted for six (6) months of experience. A related bachelor's degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. A related master's degree may be substituted for eighteen (18) months of experience. A related doctorate degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in environmental science, health informatics, statistics, epidemiology, public health, or closely related field.
• Experience conducting advanced geospatial related research and analytics.
• Experience leading cross-functional project teams.
• Experience performing data infrastructure analysis, evaluation, and documentation, and developing and implementing business processes.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a reference check.
• This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand occasional travel which the candidate will be responsible for meeting.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at [e-mail] .

About Health Department

Come work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• 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.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of deathShort-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• 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 )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.