Planner Principal State

Planner Principal State

Agency: Health Department

Job ID: 95681

Location: Rochester

Telework Eligible: Yes

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers. Open to bidders through 7/31/2026.

Date Posted: 07/25/2026

Closing Date: 08/14/2026

Hiring Agency: Health Department

Division: Environmental Health

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

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

Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

Bargaining Unit: Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

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 protecting public health and ensuring safe, clean water for Minnesota communities? The Minnesota Department of Health is seeking Planner to perform short and long-term planning activities related to the implementation, evaluation, and improvement of the State's Source Water Protection Program. The position works closely with internal staff, public water systems, and local, state, and federal partners to advance drinking water protection and promote public health.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist with and provide long-term support to public water suppliers preparing and implementing wellhead protection plans.
• Review and approve wellhead protection plans.
• Assist with preparing, reviewing, and implementing voluntary wellhead protection action plans for small systems, as assigned.
• Assist department staff with educating and training public water suppliers, other state agency staff, staff from local agencies, and the general public about source water and wellhead protection efforts and provide expertise as it relates to planning and regional conservation efforts needed to protect drinking water sources.
• Participate in other planning activities related to water, such as local water plans, watershed planning, the State's water plan, and community-based planning, and coordinate these plans with source water protection.

In accordance with HR/LR Policy #1422 Telework, this position is eligible for up to 50% telework for applicants who live in Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location. Candidates residing outside of Minnesota or in a bordering state within 50 miles of the assigned work location at the time of application must be able to relocate to Minnesota within 30 days of their start date. The telework policy may exempt employees who live more than 50 miles from their primary work location from the 50% in-office requirement, depending on job requirements, helping the State of Minnesota access top talent across the state.

MDH does not participate in the federal E-Verify program and is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions, and cannot complete Form I-9 or any other documentation requiring employer participation in E-Verify. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of experience in program planning, water protection and conservation, or public health/environmental program coordination.

A bachelor's degree in public health, environmental 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. A doctorate degree may substitute for two years of experience.

Additional minimum qualifications to be assessed during the interview:

• Demonstrated ability to assist stakeholders with plan preparation and implementation and to provide long-term support.
• Experience working with multiple internal and external partners, including state agencies, local governments, public water systems, or community organizations, to advance program goals and foster collaboration.
• Experience planning and coordinating program activities, analyzing data, and applying findings to inform program improvement, policy development, or reporting for regulatory or funding purposes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience applying public health or environmental planning principles to drinking water protection or source water programs.
• Knowledge of state and federal regulations and guidance related to drinking water or environmental health programs.
• Experience managing complex projects, coordinating timelines, and implementing strategic initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare and deliver professional written and oral communications, including presentations, reports, and educational materials.
• Proven ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal staff, state and federal agencies, local governments, and community partners.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires successful completion of a background check and employment reference check.
• This position does not require a driver's license; however, it does demand travel which the candidate is responsible for meeting.

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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io. Please indicate what assistance is needed.