Planner Principal State

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

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Travel up to 25%

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Health seeks a Planner Principal State to advance the State's Source Water Protection Program in the Metro District. You will collaborate with public water systems, state and local partners, and internal staff to protect drinking water resources and public health.

Responsibilities include developing protection plans, coordinating regional water supply planning, and building expertise on drinking water issues and contaminants.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Program planning

Stakeholder coordination

Data analysis

Regulatory awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in public health/environmental science or related field

Master's degree may substitute for 18 months of experience

Job description

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 07/25/2026
• Closing Date: 09/18/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• 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: Yes

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: 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, 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.

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

Benefits

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 death
• Short-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.