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Working Title: Water Policy Specialist

Job Class: Agency Policy Specialist - Water Resources

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

+ **Job ID** : 89089

+ **Location** : St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary** : Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply** : This vacancy is open for bids and for all qualified job seekers simultaneously. Bidders will be considered through 10/20/2025.

+ **Date Posted** : 10/14/2025

+ **Closing Date** : 11/07/2025

+ **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Minnesota Department of Agriculture

+ **Division/Unit** : Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division / Clean Water Technical Staff

+ **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift

+ **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday

+ **Travel Required** : Yes - Up to 25% of the time

+ **Salary Range:** $34.69 - $51.45 / hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 / annually

+ **Job Class Option** : Water Resources

+ **Classified Status** : Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

+ **FLSA Status** : Exempt - Administrative

+ 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.

This position is located in St. Paul and may have the ability to telework. Must be available for reasonable travel, including some overnight stays and weekend events.

This position exists to serve as a policy resource to support non-point source water protection activities for agricultural chemicals (pesticides and fertilizer) in the Pesticide and Fertilizer Management Division (PFMD) of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). This is accomplished by helping research, develop and implement MDA and state policies that will protect the water resources of Minnesota from contamination while supporting a competitive and profitable agricultural economy. Actions and policies must be consistent with management instructions and in compliance with MDA's overall mission, goals, and objectives. The position will routinely represent the PFMD and MDA on interagency and other teams and work groups, and will communicate frequently on water policy issues with the media, legislature and interested groups.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service 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.

+ A bachelor’s degree in an agricultural, environmental or water resources science AND two years of experience in developing environmental or agricultural rules, policy, or technical guidelines OR three years of experience in developing environmental or agricultural rules, policy, or technical guidelines;

+ Project management or leadership experience related to agriculture or the environment including direct experience with strategic planning, development/implementation of work plans, and budgets;

+ Ability to transfer technical scientific concepts and research findings to growers, agency personnel and the general public;

+ Demonstrated advanced understanding of the water issues that are relevant to agricultural chemicals in the diverse environmental and hydrogeologic settings of Minnesota;

+ A working knowledge of the specific nutrient and pesticide state BMPs, NRCS conservation practices and cropping systems of Minnesota;

+ Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable monitor vehicle record subject to review and be able to travel overnight on occasion;

+ The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

Preferred Qualifications

+ M.S. or higher in: law; management or public administration; environmental policy; water resources science; or in an agricultural, environmental, water resources or closely related field;

+ Advanced knowledge of NRCS and USDA agricultural policies, program and procedures relevant to Minnesota;

+ More than five years of experience working on agricultural issues with farmers, the ag industry, extension, government agencies, or affiliated research entities in Minnesota;

+ More than five years of experience in a project management or leadership role related to agriculture or the environment including direct experience with strategic planning, work plans and budgets;

+ Three or more years of experience working with the Minnesota legislature;

+ Extensive experience working with the development or implementation of agricultural or water related government rules, statutes, ordinances or policy.

Additional Requirements

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

1. SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

2. Employment Reference Check

3. Driver’s License Check

4. Conflict of Interest Review

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.