Planner Principal State

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota seeks a Planner Principal State to advance drinking water protection through the Source Water Protection Program in the Metro District. You will collaborate with internal staff, public water systems, and partners to safeguard Minnesota’s drinking water resources.

You will work within the Health Department’s Environmental Health division, focusing on policy implementation and regional planning while traveling up to 25%. Telework eligibility supports a hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in program planning, water protection and conservation, or public health/environmental program coordination.
• Experience working with multiple internal and external partners to advance program goals.
• Ability to analyze data and apply findings to program improvement.

Responsibilities

• Assist public water suppliers in planning, preparation, and implementation of source water protection plans.
• Assist in development, implementation, and review of watershed and related water resource plans.
• Represent SWP planning interests as part of regional water supply planning in the Twin Cities metro area.
• Develop and maintain drinking water and SWP expertise related to issues and threats in the metro district.

Skills

Program planning

Water protection

Public health

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public health or environmental science

Job description

Job Class: Planner Principal State

Agency: Health Department

• Job ID : 95688

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers.

• Date Posted : 07/25/2026

• Closing Date : 09/18/2026

• Hiring Agency : Health Department

• Division : Environmental Health

• 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: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

• Job Class Option : Water Quality

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit : Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• 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.

This position is being reposted. If you have previously applied, you do not need to reapply for consideration.

Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring safe, clean water for Minnesota communities? The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking Planner to perform planning activities related to the implementation of the State's Source Water Protection Program to protect local drinking water resources in the MDH SWP Units Metro District. The position works closely with internal staff, public water systems, and local, state, and federal partners to advance drinking water protection and promote public health.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist public water suppliers in planning, preparation, and implementation of source water protection plans.

• Assist in the development, implementation, and review of watershed, groundwater, and other related water resource conservation plans working with State and local resource partners necessary to protect drinking water resources in the Metro District.

• Represent SWP planning interests as part of regional water supply planning in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

• Develop and maintain drinking water and SWP expertise related to issues and contaminant threats in the metro district.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework (https://mn.gov/mmb-stat/policies/1422-telework.pdf), 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 state within 50 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-1 STEM 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.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper 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.

Three (3) years of experience in program planning, water protection and conservation, or public health/environmental program coordination.

A bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental science, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience. A master’s degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience. A doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Demonstrated ability to assist stakeholders with plan preparation and implementation.

• Experience working with multiple internal and external partners, including state agencies, local governments, public water systems, or community organizations, to advance program goals and foster collaboration.

• Experience planning and coordinating program activities, analyzing data, and applying findings to inform program improvement, policy development, or reporting for regulatory or funding purposes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying public health or environmental planning principles to drinking water protection or source water programs.

• Knowledge of state and federal regulations and guidance related to drinking water or environmental health programs.

• Experience managing complex projects, coordinating timelines, and implementing strategic initiatives across multiple stakeholders.

• Ability to prepare and deliver professional written and oral communications, including presentations, reports, and educational materials.

• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, state and federal agencies, local governments, and community partners.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

• This position does not require a driver's license; however, it does demand travel which the candidate is responsible for meeting.

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.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.