Hydrogeologist II

We are accepting applications on our website until June 10, 2026:

https://www.omb.nd.gov/team-nd-careers/career-openings

Are you passionate about the management and development of natural resources? Do you understand that water is one of our most valuable and important resources? If you want to be part of a dedicated and talented team that works to responsibly manage North Dakota’s water resources for a resilient future - then this employment opportunity might be for you. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is looking for a Hydrogeologist II to serve the citizens of our state as a part of Team ND.

DWR offers rewarding career opportunities with a competitive benefits package that includes fully paid health insurance for employees and their families, optional dental and vision coverage, retirement plan options, voluntary insurance programs, and accrued annual and sick leave.

The State of ND offers 40 hours of new hire leave at the beginning of employment, in addition to standard monthly leave accruals. Team members who were previously employed with a state agency and are eligible for reinstatement, as defined in NDAC 4-07-05-01.1, or who are granted an interagency transfer are not eligible for new hire leave.

The salary range for this position is $6,400 – $7,000 per month (dependent upon experience).

As a hydrogeologist with the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, you will have an impact on the sustainable management of groundwater resources, in an environment that provides many opportunities to learn using robust datasets and technology. The management of water rights requires an interdisciplinary approach of water policy, science, and data management.

Duties and Tasks

• Draft reports and develop groundwater analytical and numerical models of aquifers for use in management decisions and recommendations on groundwater availability appropriation, and sustainability.
• Provide hydrogeologic information to the public.
• Document, organize, analyze, and interpret hydrologic data.
• Provide technical advice on groundwater resource problems.
• Design groundwater monitoring and sampling plans, including the geologic logging of test holes and installation of observation wells.
• Aquifer test design, implementation, and analysis.
• Periodic travel to conduct field investigations as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, engineering, or closely related field.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through public speaking and presentations.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and able and willing to travel as necessary.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Science degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, geology, engineering, or closely related field.
• Experience writing technical reports.
• Groundwater modeling experience (e.g. MODFLOW), and experience with groundwater modeling software (e.g. GMS, Groundwater Vistas, Visual Modflow).
• Application of groundwater models for use in water resource management decisions.
• Knowledge of programming language for data analysis (e.g., Python, R) and geographic information systems software.
• Knowledge of North Dakota water law.

Application Procedures

Please note that the Department of Water Resources is not enrolled in E-Verify and does not provide sponsorships for employment.

Applications will ONLY be accepted online through the ND PeopleSoft System.

State of ND employees should access the announcement and application by signing into their ND PeopleSoft account at: ND PeopleSoft, clicking on “Careers,” and selecting “Careers” in the drop-down menu.

Applicants who are not employees of the State of North Dakota can access the announcement and application by visiting: ND Careers website.

Application materials must reach this office by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time (CST) on the closing date.

In addition to the online application, the following is also required:

• Resume
• Cover letter (addressed to Human Resources);
• Copy of all college transcripts, and;
• The name, address, and phone number of three professional references (no letters of reference please).

For more Team ND benefit information, please see Team ND Benefits.

Application materials will be scored based on a 100-point job-related personnel system.

Applications should include information that directly addresses how the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and a summary of work. It is very important to be thorough and detailed in all application materials.

Applicants who experience difficulties during the application process should contact recruiter@nd.gov or (701) 328-3290.

For questions regarding this position’s duties or requirements, please contact Missy Schmidt at (701) 328-2751 or mkschmidt@nd.gov.

TTY users may use Relay North Dakota at 711 or 1 (800) 366-6888.