Drinking Water Protection Section Manager - State Prog Admin Manager Prin

Working Title: Drinking Water Protection Section Manager 
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Principal
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 84902
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open for all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 03/21/2025
• Closing Date: 04/11/2025
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health - Drinking Water Protection
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00am-4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $48.45 - $69.48 / hourly; $101,163 - $145,074 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial 
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.

MDH employees seeking voluntary reassignment will be considered,  followed by other qualified applicants through the competitive hiring process. Please review the “Who May Apply” and “How to Apply” sections of this job posting.

To be considered for reassignment employees must apply via Self-Service and notify the staffing representative listed in the job posting by email. The subject line should follow this format: "Reassignment – Job ID # 84902– State Program Administration, Manager Principal - Drinking Water Protection Manager” to Alexis Isaacson - alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us. The staffing specialist will confirm eligibility, and qualified employees will receive priority consideration. 
 

Join a mission-driven team in the Environmental Health Division with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), where you will contribute to protecting, maintaining, and improving the health of all Minnesotans! The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking a dedicated individual to lead the Drinking Water Protection section. This role focuses on ensuring the highest quality of drinking water in Minnesota's community and non-community water systems. The primary responsibility is to direct statewide prevention and protection efforts to safeguard public health from waterborne diseases, injuries, or fatalities. If you are passionate about public health and protecting Minnesota’s drinking water, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact.

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing a statewide compliance program for the drinking water protection initiative, which includes developing and implementing policies.
• Analyzing, communicating, and managing hazards and risk factors
• Administering fiscal and personnel functions.
• Conducting evaluations and assessments of delegated agencies and internal operations.
• Leading emergency and water disease outbreak response efforts.
• Developing new program activities in response to emerging public health needs and concerns.

This position may have the option of teleworking; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion. 

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume/application clearly describe your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held. Only applicants whose resumes clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position.

Four (4) years of professional experience leading a public health or environmental health program. This experience must include all of the following:

• Implementation and evaluation of programs and policy.
• Oversight of budgets and administration of appropriate funds.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.

Demonstrated leadership experience may include:

• Experience as a supervisor, leadworker, team lead, project lead.
• Completion of a State of Minnesota leadership program (e.g. ELI, L4, Everyday Leaders).
• Completion of a similar or equivalent leadership development program through another organization.
• A paid or unpaid position leading a program or chairing a committee, such as an Employee Resource Group (ERG).  This experience must include: 1+ yrs identifying issues, goals and strategic actions, AND 100+ hr/yr  time commitment.

A degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Science or closely related field may count towards professional experience as follows:

• Bachelor’s = 12 months.
• Master’s = 18 months.
• Doctoral = 24 months.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview: 

• Ability to apply effective critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to present scientific, and administrative concepts clearly, both orally and in writing to diversified audiences.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across various leadership levels and engage with the general public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Environmental Health, Environmental Science or related field. 
• Strong understanding of drinking water protection regulations, public health principles, and risk management. 
• Knowledge of state public health system planning processes, and administrative structure.
• Experience with strategic planning, policy development, and budget decision-making processes. 
• Experience in leading or participating in research activities related to quality improvement or environmental health initiatives.
• Experience identifying and evaluating information and conceptualizing alternative solutions to complex issues and conveying them to diverse audiences.

Additional Requirements

Must successfully pass a background and reference check. 

This employment does not require a valid driver's license, but it does demand occasional travel, which the candidate will be responsible for meeting. 

The successful candidate under U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services regulations must be able to accept work in the U.S. by the day employment begins. The agency is unable to offer H-1B sponsorship

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us or 651-539-2266.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alexis Isaacson at alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us.

To receive consideration for reassignment, apply online and email “Reassignment – Job ID # 84902– State Program Administrator, Manager Principal - Drinking Water Protection Manager” to Alexis Isaacson - alexis.e.isaacson@state.mn.us.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Health ADA Coordinator at health.hr.ada@state.mn.us

About Health Department 

Come and work for one of the best public health systems in the nation and you will contribute to our mission to protect, maintain and improve the health of all Minnesotans. We are working hard to achieve our vision for health equity in Minnesota, where all communities are thriving, and all people have what they need to be healthy. Our collaborative, mission-driven work environment is a major factor in promoting a high level of employee health awareness, employee longevity and job satisfaction.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.