Water Monitoring and Surveys Field Operations Supervisor - Hydrologist Supervisor

Working Title: Water Monitoring and Surveys Field Operations Supervisor

Job Class: Hydrologist Supervisor

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 97217

• 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 : 09/24/2026

• Closing Date : 10/14/2026

• 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, Occasional overnight travel for field work and training

• Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,781 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• 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 Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Full-Time Unlimited Water Monitoring and Surveys Field Operations Supervisor - Hydrologist Supervisor position located in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This position directs and coordinates the collection of water quantity data and the maintenance of the state stream gaging network, observation well network, wetland network, climate networks, and the lakes gaging network. The incumbent oversees the field data collection service and provides professional expertise in the areas of hydrogeology, hydrology, hydraulics and water resource monitoring. The incumbent initiates, coordinates, directs, reviews and performs special studies and projects including data analyses and computer modeling. This position provides information and recommendations that facilitate informed decision-making, provides expert testimony at administrative hearings, and maintains all appropriate data for future use.

Responsibilities include:

• Direct employees so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitable administered, staff roles are clear, effective performance is achieved, and the importance of self-initiative, teamwork, safety, and compliance with DNR policies is understood.

• Supervise staff statewide water resource monitoring activities and oversee the unit's stream gaging, observation well, wetland and other programs so that appropriate data is available to users for the responsible management of water resources.

• Maintain and improve division monitoring methods and equipment so that appropriate information and data are available for water management decisions.

• Provide expert hydraulic, hydrologic and water quality analyses. Review, recommend and advise on water resources systems and projects so that management decisions are consistent and based on the best available information.

• Perform special tasks as assigned to ensure section and division work priorities are met.

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 requirement(s):

• A minimum of three (3) 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 (2) hydrology qualifying courses and two courses (or equivalent experience) in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils.

At least four (4) years of advanced professional experience with three (3) years of advanced professional experience at the Hydrologist 2 level or equivalent in surface water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning or regulation, project management, or related technical or regulatory work, with demonstrated experience in project or staff leadership or supervision. An advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

• Ability to direct work, manage conflict, hold employees accountable, support growth development, and train and motivate staff to perform jobs effectively.

• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of field methods (stream flow measurement techniques, well drilling, hydrographic surveys) and data management practices (mechanical and electronic monitoring equipment, data collection platforms, satellite/cellular telemetry systems, hydrologic databases) for managing statewide monitoring networks.

• Ability to employ hydrologic expertise in the development of monitoring networks, evaluate and supply technical reports from hydrologic data, and to make decisions and render solutions to water resource management issues.

• Ability to apply competency in the analysis and reporting of water quantity, hydraulic and hydrologic principles to problems and effectively communicating the resulting work products to stakeholders and partners.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and through presentations and to present technical information to non-technical audiences including diverse partners and multicultural communities.

• Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.

• Ability to occasionally travel and stay overnight in various locations throughout the state or across the country for field work, events, meetings, and trainings.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in one of the following disciplines: Civil, Geological or Environmental Engineering, Forest Hydrology, Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Hydrology or equivalent.

• Two (2) or more years of experience as a lead worker or supervisor.

• Experience following USGS protocol for field data collection of stream flow, surface water and groundwater levels using acoustic technologies and pressure transducers.

• Experience processing data in a hydrologic database such as WISKI or Aquarius.

• Experience reviewing and conducting quality control of hydrologic data following set policy.

• Experience developing policy and/or rules to address water management issues or guide field data collection and processing.

• Experience coordinating with external partners for projects and during times of emergency such as flooding.

• Familiarity with budgets and/or purchasing of equipment.

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.

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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.