Ellen Considine

Background

About Ellen Considine

I have 20 years of experience in hydrology and groundwater. My work has included stream gaging, groundwater modeling, aquifer pumping tests, and water appropriations permitting. Since joining the MnDNR in 2015 I have focused on areas of Minnesota where groundwater sustainability and groundwater depletion of surface water are a concern. I previously worked as a consultant for 10 years, primarily for mining and energy clients. I grew up one of four sisters on a farm in Wisconsin. As I entered the workforce, I found myself wishing for a team like my sisters and I had been – a team that ran like a well-oiled machine, where each team member knew the other’s strengths and weaknesses and operated to use each team member’s strengths to best advantage. When I moved into project management and supervision, I finally found my home. My jam is leading teams of high-level scientists and finding ways for the team to function at its best. I do this by building relationships, striving for clear and useful communication, and leveraging technology to set expectations and delegate, prioritize, and track work. Whether it is a dysfunctional team, a cluster of a budget, or a rambling, unfocused document, I love bringing order to chaos.