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Job Summary
There are two Research Scientist 2 positions available. These positions will be working on statewide projects as assigned by lead staff, but will report to the NC Watershed Unit supervisor or the NW Watershed Unit Supervisor. Office locations are provided above.

The incumbent provides technical review, modeling support, and guidance to internal staff and external partners for the watershed modeling component of the watershed approach process. This includes using knowledge of water quality modeling sufficient to review overall Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) or Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) project objectives and determining the modeling approach to meet these objectives. The incumbent helps MPCA watershed staff understand what data is available from models/databases for watershed work and how they might best use the data and may be called upon to communicate modeling data and information to local partners, citizens, stakeholders and others as needed.

The incumbent will prepare data sets based on modeling for input into Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN (HSPF) models, will lead or assist with data gathering and formatting to build and update HSPF models and re-segmentation of HSPF models, will develop HSPF and/or Scenario Application Manager (SAM) scenarios, and will extract model outputs from completed models from HSPF and SAM interface. This work includes quality assurance/quality control of models.

The incumbent also provides technical assistance in the development of individual watershed project work plans, water quality and stream hydrology, data analysis and interpretation, graphic data display, identification of point and nonpoint sources of pollution, report review and preparation and public presentation of model results.

Minimum Qualifications:
A Master’s degree in hydrology, geology, soil science, or related geological or environmental toxicology science degree with course work in water resource management.

OR

A Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, geology, soil science, or related geological or environmental toxicology science degree with and understanding surface water hydrology modeling and course work in water resource management with two (2) years of experience in hydrology or environmental water resource management area conducting field research and modeling.

WITH

Experience using geographic information system tools like ArcGIS for Desktop and similar tools as well as Microsoft Office products (e.g. spreadsheets, email).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Working knowledge of the relationship between land use and water quality and quantity.
  • Experience performing scientific data modeling.
  • Experience in water resource management and surface water hydrology modeling (e.g. HSPF, Hec-Ras, Modflow, SWAT, WASP, Sparrow, SAM).
  • Experience with automating data input and formatting using scripting languages and/or macros with experience in modeling techniques and data management.
  • Technical writing skills sufficient to organize and effectively present ideas to a variety of audiences.
  • Communication skills sufficient to collaborate, work effectively, and convey technical information.

Physical Requirements:
Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small office equipment. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements:
Driver’s License:
A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory DLR check.

Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

Why Work For Us
Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people.

The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, a retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year. We emphasize work-life balance, and strive to have inclusive workplace for everyone.