Well Management Section Manager - Health Program Manager Senior

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 101,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays a year

Pension plan

Job summary

State of Minnesota in St. Paul seeks a Well Management Section Manager within the Environmental Health Division. You will lead public health professionals, align resources with agency goals, and engage stakeholders to safeguard groundwater and drinking water resources.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, budget oversight, and cross‑agency collaboration to advance MDH's mission and protect Minnesotans' health.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience managing an environmental protection program in a public health setting.
• Leadership and supervisory experience with coaching and development of staff.
• Experience coordinating priorities, resources, and tasks to ensure program outcomes.
• Ability to manage budgets and fiscal resources within a public agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for public health professionals within the Well Management Section.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external partners and represent the Section and Agency.
• Direct management of resources to align with priorities and agency goals.
• Lead studies, policy analysis, investigations, and strategic initiatives.
• Guide staff to use education, oversight, and enforcement to protect public health.

Skills

Strategic planning

Stakeholder relations

Resource management

Project management

Leadership & supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree substitute for 1 year of experience

Master’s degree substitute for 18 months

Doctorate substitutes for 2 years

Job description

Well Management Section Manager - Health Program Manager Senior

Working Title: Well Management Section Manager
Job Class: Health Program Manager Senior
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 97236
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/29/2026
• Closing Date: 10/20/2026
• Hiring Agency: Health Department
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health/Well Management Section
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $48.21 - $69.21 / hourly; $100,662 - $144,510 / annually

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

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a Well Management Section Manager in the Environmental Health Division. Through effective and strategic leadership, planning, communication, and stakeholder engagement, the successful incumbent ensures the Well Management Section fulfills statutory responsibilities and advances MDH's mission of protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans by safeguarding the state's groundwater and drinking water resources .

Responsibilities include:

• Provide leadership for the public health professionals within the Well Management Section so that priorities, resources, and expertise are allocated to effectively address environmental and public health needs.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external partners and represent the Section and Agency in state, national, and professional forums while promoting coordination on issues affecting well management and water-related public health.
• Provide leadership for the effective and responsible management of the Well Management Section's fiscal, personnel, and other resources to ensure alignment with section, division, and agency priorities and to support the department's responsibility as a steward of public resources.
• Lead or oversee special studies, policy analysis, investigations, and other strategic initiatives that support the goals and objectives of the section, division, and MDH.
• Provide leadership to staff and supervisors,and ensure the Well Management Section uses coordinated education, regulatory oversight, and enforcement strategies to influence compliance, achieve program outcomes, and maximize the protection of public health and prevention of environmental health risks.

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. 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 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.

Four (4) years of experience managing an environmental protection program in a public health setting which includes the following:

• Strategic oversight of planning and policy development.
• Building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Resources management including fiscal, human, and other resources.
• Project management and oversight.

AND

Leadership and supervisory experience sufficient to demonstrate the following:

• Leading a team of professional staff engaged in program activities.
• Staff coaching, mentoring, development, supervision, and team building capability.
• Planning, organizing, and directing program functions including prioritizing tasks and delegating work to ensure productivity and quality.

A related degree will substitute for work experience as follows: doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience; master’s degree may substitute for 18 months of experience; bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience; associate's degree may substitute for six months of experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in an environmental public health leadership position
• Experience managing a state-wide program
• Experience managing multiple overlapping projects that engage a variety of stakeholders
• Experience managing policy and budget development through the legislative process

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on an infrequent basis.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and an employment reference check.
• This position does not require a driver's license but does require occasional 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 improvethe health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities arethriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor inpromoting 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 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.