Watershed Specialist - NR Spec Sr Eco Svcs

Working Title: Watershed Specialist

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 93621

• Location : Mankato

• Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 30%

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 04/21/2026

• Closing Date : 05/11/2026

• 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, Required for field visits and training, with some overnights

• Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• 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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) permanent full-time Watershed Specialist located in Mankato.

The Watershed Specialist applies principles of river ecology to watershed assessments in the southern region following the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) Intensive Watershed Monitoring schedule. The Watershed Specialist uses the five component framework of a healthy watershed (i.e., hydrology, biology, connectivity, water quality, and geomorphology) to assess watersheds in the southern region. Data collected by the Watershed Specialist will help deliver strategies and alternatives as part of an interagency effort to protect and restore watershed health. The Watershed Specialist will serve to provide advanced technical assistance to regional staff involved in the overall CWL effort and deliver data to the MPCA to help with Stressor Identification. The Watershed Specialist provides technical assistance on implementation projects affecting the dimension, pattern, or profile of regional streams and rivers. This position is an integral part of a larger effort to systematically and effectively collect, disseminate, and convey advanced scientific information on a watershed basis within a comprehensive framework.

Responsibilities include:

• Design, conduct, and evaluate Watershed Assessment of River Stability and Sediment Supply (WARSSS) studies and other research investigations as necessary, to provide advanced technical information and assistance to regional and local teams to address water quality impairments and facilitate effective DNR input so that comprehensive, ecologically-based studies assessing lake and river pollution in the region are developed.

• Enhance personal knowledge of the watershed-based science that supports healthy aquatic ecosystems and help educate DNR staff and other partner organizations about that science so that internal and external partners are knowledgeable and can actively participate in Clean Water Initiative efforts.

• Provide advanced technical assistance and planning assistance to internal and external partners, including other Sections and Divisions within the DNR, state agencies, local units of government, citizen organizations, and other participating technical staff in the development of restoration (i.e. implementation) plans that will achieve needed pollutant reductions and facilitate effective DNR input into these planning efforts so that impaired lakes and rivers in the region are restored to health and achieve water quality standards.

• In conjunction with the Regional Manager and Clean Water Legacy Specialist, administer the regional DNR Clean Water Field Team so that primary regional issues are addressed in a scientifically sound manner and the DNR plays an active leadership role in the Clean Water Legacy Initiative.

• Participate in the development and implementation of Clean Water Legacy protection plans for unimpaired waters and facilitate effective DNR input into these planning efforts so that the ecological health of these regional waters is safeguarded from future impairment.

• Coordinate with other partners, both inside and outside DNR, to facilitate the collection of data and the development of science-based practices policies that support CWL and related DNR resource management and policy goals.

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

• Bachelor's degree in aquatic biology/ecology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, fisheries, watershed management, or related field.

• Three years of professional work experience in natural resources management and planning pertaining to lakes, rivers, or watersheds.

• Demonstrated knowledge in aquatic ecology/biology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, watershed management, and statistics, and an understanding of hydrologic, chemical, physical, and biological behavior of rivers and streams.

• Knowledge of the principals of sustainable development, ecosystem-based management, habitat improvement and/or mitigation techniques, and water/ land resources interactions.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt approaches and practices as knowledge and experience working within Minnesota's water management framework increases.

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

• Ability to convey technical information to working groups whose members have a diverse range of technical backgrounds in ways that allow all members of the group to understand and incorporate the technical concept to the problem being discussed.

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in aquatic biology/ecology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, fisheries, watershed management, or related field.

• Five years of professional work experience in natural resources management and planning pertaining to lakes, rivers, or watersheds.

• Experience and/or training in fluvial geomorphology (e.g. Rosgen, DNR River Ecology trainings)

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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.