Water Information Strategist - Environmental Specialist

Working Title: Water Information Strategist

Job Class: Environmental Specialist 4

Agency: Health Department

• Work Shift: Day shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25%
• Salary Range: $34.69 - $51.45 hourly; $72,432 - $107,427 annually
• Telework Eligibility: Up to 50% hybrid telework for applicants residing in Minnesota or a bordering state within 50 miles
• Connect 700 Program: Designated for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

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.

Are you passionate about protecting public health and ensuring safe, clean water for Minnesota communities? The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a Water Information Strategist to join the Water Policy Center. In this role, you will transform complex water quality and groundwater data into actionable insights that guide local and state public health programs, inform policy, and support private well users across the state.

You’ll collaborate with state and local partners, develop clear and accessible visualizations such as dashboards and maps, and help drive initiatives that improve water safety and public health outcomes. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working at the forefront of data‑driven public health.

• Collect, organize, and maintain private well and groundwater data from multiple sources, ensuring accuracy, security, and accessibility.
• Identify trends, generate insights, and support reporting for public health programs and policy decisions.
• Create dashboards, maps, and infographics that make water data easy to understand for partners, stakeholders, and the public.
• Work closely with MDH teams, local governments, and community organizations to meet data and reporting needs.
• Provide expertise to inform water policy, program evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.

• 3 years of experience in environmental data management, public health data analysis, or a closely related field, including working with large datasets related to water quality, groundwater, or environmental monitoring.

• Demonstrated experience ensuring accuracy, completeness, and consistency of datasets, including integrating data from multiple sources and formats to support decision‑making.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights to inform program decisions, policy recommendations, and public health strategies.
• Proven ability to work with internal teams, external partners, and community stakeholders to understand data needs, share insights, and support program goals.

A Bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, hydrology, data science, or a closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience; a Master's degree in these fields may substitute for 18 months of experience, or a Doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.

• Experience designing and maintaining dashboards, maps, and infographics that effectively communicate complex water quality or public health data to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency using GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS) to analyze, map, and visualize groundwater, private well, or environmental datasets. Familiarity with environmental or sample data software (e.g., EQuIS).
• Experience with data analysis tools or programming languages such as R, Python, SQL, Tableau, or Power BI to interpret large datasets and generate actionable insights.
• Understanding of hydrology, groundwater, private well systems, or environmental/public health principles relevant to water safety and monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to work with internal teams, local governments, community organizations, and other state agencies to meet data needs, support policy development, and…