Lead in Drinking Water Specialist - State Program Admin

Working Title: Lead in Drinking Water Specialist 
Job Class: State Program Administrator
Agency: Health Department

• Job ID: 90748
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50% 
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers - bidders will be considered until 12/22/2025.
• Date Posted: 12/16/2025
• Closing Date: 12/30/2025
• Hiring Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Division/Unit: Environmental Health (EH) - Drinking Water Protection (DWP)
• 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: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly; $50,070 - $72,432 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

Are you passionate about public health? Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is seeking dedicated professionals to make a difference in our communities.

As a State Program Administrator, you will promote Drinking Water Protection (DWP) Section efforts to identify, address, and reduce the presence of lead in drinking water at schools and childcares. Specifically, the Lead in Drinking Water Specialist position will be responsible for implementation of activities promoting and testing and remediation of lead in schools and childcares, and the documentation of such activities as required under Minnesota State law. This includes work to educate facility staff/owners/operators regarding their responsibilities, provide technical assistance, conduct outreach, collaborate in data systems development, review/manage data, and help ensure that Minnesota's schools and childcares meet their obligations in protecting children's health by reducing the presence of lead in drinking water. 

Primary responsibilities: 

• Data Management: Process, review, and manage lead testing and remediation data from schools, ensuring accurate submission to MDH and availability in accordance with state law.
• Outreach & Education: Support awareness and health promotion initiatives under the guidance of the DWP Lead Coordinator, collaborating with senior program staff to provide training and resources to schools, childcares, and partner organizations.
• Grant Support: Assist with implementation of the State’s lead remediation grant program, supporting efforts to reduce lead exposure in drinking water at schools and childcares.
• Program Support: Contribute to evolving lead reduction initiatives and assist with other activities aimed at reducing lead in drinking water as program needs change.

This position is based in St. Paul and will have the option of teleworking up to 50% of the time; however, it will be based on the business needs of the unit and is at supervisory discretion.

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. 

One (1) year of experience in environmental health, experience must include:

• Compiling, reviewing, and analyzing data and writing reports or correspondence. 
• Using database applications and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Entering and evaluating data using formulas, charts, tables, and spreadsheets.

Additional Minimum Qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Ability to clearly explain technical or program-related information about lead in drinking water to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills in practical work situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners to support program goals.

An Associate's degree in environmental health, public health, engineering, environmental science, public administration or closely related field may be substituted for six (6) months of experience. A Bachelor's degree in environmental health, public health, engineering, environmental science, public administration or closely related field may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in environmental health, public health, engineering, environmental science, or public administration. 
• Working knowledge of environmental science, public health, engineering, water supply, or related subjects sufficient to allow explanation of basics of lead health effects, testing and remediation. Ability to understand complex public health and scientific information related to lead in drinking water in plain language to the public and stakeholders. 
• Ability to establish effective working partnerships within MDH, with staff of other organizations and agencies, with facility owners and operators, and with the general public. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently and to take the initiative for work and project planning, demonstrating attention to detail in all work tasks. 
• Familiarity with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, including the Lead and Copper Rule; as well as state statutes and rules related to lead in drinking water. 
• Ability to conceive and communicate effective ideas for solving complex problems related to lead in drinking water.

Physical Requirements

Ability to collect environmental (drinking water) samples.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.

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.

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 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.