The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with citizens to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

The DNR offers a broad range of careers across the state of Minnesota. Our employees are dedicated to creating a healthy, sustainable, livable Minnesota for generations to come. Join our team of over 3,000 professionals working to conserve and manage Minnesota’s natural resources. 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation may contact the DNR ADA Title I Coordinator at ADAdiversity.dnr@state.mn.us, 651-296-5016. We welcome calls from Telecommunications Relay Service users.

Industry: Government Administration
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Savvy Admin PROD

**Working Title: Park Rapids Area Hydrologist - NR Area Hydrologist**

**Job Class: Natural Resources Area Hydrologist**

**Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources**

- Job ID: 92097

- Location: Park Rapids or Bemidji

- Telework Eligible: Yes - Eligible for up to 40%, after completion of probationary period and continued satisfactory performance.

- Full/Part Time: Full-Time

- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

- Date Posted: 04/29/2026

- Closing Date: 05/19/2026

- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Natural Resources Department

- Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources

- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift

- Days of Work: Monday - Friday

- Travel Required: No

- Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually

- Classified Status: Classified

- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

- FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional

- Re-Posting: Yes

- 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 was previously announced from 2/11/2026-3/03/2026. If you have already applied to this position, you do not need to reapply.~~

The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent NR Area Hydrologist in either Park Rapids or Bemidji MN. This position exists to ensure sustainability of the State’s water resources within a geographic work area comprised of Cass, Hubbard, and Wadena counties. This position also completes work assignments that involve state-wide projects and/or policy.

**Responsibilities include but are not limited to:**

- Regulate activities affecting public waters by reviewing public waters permit applications in a consistent and timely manner to ensure compliance with applicable State statutes and rules, identifying potential resource impacts, and making permit decisions.

- Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to state agencies, local government units, watershed districts, lake, river, and watershed associations and other teams in the development of watershed studies, including major Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS).

- This position exists to conduct technical analysis and to provide quality assistance to the general public, local units of government and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted in a useful manner. This includes quantitative, as well as qualitative information.

- Provide planning and technical expertise to local government units, interest groups and landowners to develop comprehensive watershed management plans and implement projects.

- Conduct technical analysis and to provide assistance to the general public, local units of government and other resource professionals so that data, information, and regulations may be correctly interpreted to guide sustainable management of our water resources

- Develop and expand partnerships with the general public and other governmental agencies to improve collaboration and better integrate responsibilities among resource managers.

- Promote and implement water resource conservation and sustainability.

- Provide early coordination on proposed projects that affect natural resources and reviewing formal environmental review documents so that environmental impacts and documents are completed consistent with the legal parameters prescribed in state water laws and rules.

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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

**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):

- Three 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 hydrology qualifying courses and two courses (or equivalent experience) in: Geology, Geomorphology, Geochemistry, Geography, Limnology, Erosion and Sediment Control, Environmental Engineering, Soils.

**Additional requirements:**

- At least 3 years of total professional experience with at least 2 years advanced experience in water or groundwater hydrology, soil and water resource management, water planning or regulation, or related technical or regulatory work.

- An advanced degree in the appropriate major (see education requirements) may substitute for 1 year of experience.

- Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of hydrology, hydrogeology, geomorphology, geology, watershed management, and natural resource management.

- Knowledge and understanding of the underlying laws, rules, and policies that guide the Department’s water and related land use management programs and political processes.

- Knowledge and understanding of hydrologic analyses and an ability to evaluate the impact of hydrology on riverine and lake systems

- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with local governmental units, state and federal agencies, conservation groups and individuals from the general public.

- Ability to convey technical information to teams and individuals with diverse technical, social, cultural and educational backgrounds in ways that helps them understand the information and apply it to the situation at hand.

- Ability to communicate effectively through writing, and public presentation, and experience developing, reviewing, and evaluating technical reports.

- Knowledge and experience working with partners using coordinated resource management to identify issues and formulate solutions to water resource management problems.

- Highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals and groups with diverse interests. Team building and leadership skills necessary to bring together diverse interests to accomplish common natural resource objectives

- Ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple time-sensitive and complex projects; plan and allocate time and resources as necessary; establish and meet deadlines.

**Preferred Qualifications**

- Experience processing permit applications, including reviewing and interpreting relevant policies, procedures and laws, as applicable.

- Advanced degree in any of the disciplines listed above.

- Knowledge and experience working with state and federal resource management agencies, and local governmental units with an understanding of their respective authorities, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.

- Experience with water resource planning and management in state, federal or local units of government.

- Experience working with Watershed Districts and/or Soil and Water Conservation Districts in developing solutions to comprehensive water resource problems.

- Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.

**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.

**How To Apply**

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@state.mn.us or 651-259-5343.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@state.mn.us.

**About MN Department Of Natural Resources**

(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)

**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

Tuition reimbursement

- 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Park Rapids Area Hydrologist - NR Area Hydrologist

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