Water Resources Specialist

City of Apple Valley; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Apple Valley is seeking a Natural Resources professional to assist in administering and implementing water resources programs, monitoring lakes and wetlands, and supporting lake health initiatives.

You will work with partners, manage data, assist with grant activities, coordinate with state agencies, and help engage residents through outreach and volunteer programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in water resources, natural resources, aquatic biology, limnology, environmental studies, or closely related field.
• Three years of related field experience implementing water resources projects, plans, or monitoring.
• Working knowledge of MS4 and water resources management requirements.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports for diverse audiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, other agencies, volunteers and residents.
• Strong customer service orientation with a professional demeanor.
• Proficient in MS Office, Windows, and Asset Management software.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Ability to operate watercraft and field equipment.
• Adherence to safe work practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in administration and implementation of water resources programs.
• Coordinate MS4 program and inspections; prioritization of improvements.
• Lead field data collection and database management for water quality.
• Coordinate with lake associations and watershed groups and coordinate with agencies.
• Review land use proposals for impact on water resources.
• Assist in grant activities for water resources and natural resources.
• Oversee contractors for stormwater maintenance and lake management.
• Manage Wildlife programs including Deer Management.
• Support volunteer programs (CAMP, WHEP) and stenciling program.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Water resources knowledge

Communication skills

Report writing

Project management

Customer service

MS Office proficiency

Work under pressure

Team collaboration

Public outreach

Data coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in water resources

Master's degree in water resources (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

GIS

Cartegraph OMS

Asset Management software

Job description

Assists in the administration and implementation of policies and programs in the Natural Resources Division to preserve and enhance water resources. Assists in planning maintenance, improvements, and water quality monitoring for approximately 300 lakes, ponds and wetlands.

1. Stormwater Coordination: Assists with coordination of federal and state agencies regarding water quality issues. Responsible for the development, implementation, and record keeping requirements related to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit (MS4) Program. Assists with the administration and implementation of water resources programs among agencies and City departments. Inspects and prioritizes ponds and wetlands for improvement projects on an annual basis. Assists in targeted subwatershed planning to improve lake health in several impaired water bodies.
2. Monitor Water Quality: Leads field data collection and database management related to water quality programs. May include water quality monitoring, wildlife and vegetation surveys, and wetland monitoring. Assists with coordination of water quality programs for lake association groups, watershed organizations, and state and county government agencies. Addresses concerns and may act as liaison to these entities.
3. Project Review: Assists in the review of land use proposals to determine impact on water resources. Assists with recommendation of measures to protect water quality in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Ensures implementation and compliance with City plans, ordinances and policies related to water quality and environmental resources. Coordinates wetland protection activities, including administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Keeps informed on all current specifications, regulations, codes, practices, and standards related to water resources.
4. Education and Outreach: Responds to citizen complaints and requests for assistance with native landscaping, drainage, erosion control, aquatic vegetation species identification, and water quality issues. Coordinates content for social media and website. Assists at community events, workshops, and watershed events.
5. Volunteer Management: Assists in the development, implementation, coordination, and presentation of volunteer programs related to lake and wetland monitoring and protection, including Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) and Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). Includes seeking out new volunteers and coordinating volunteer groups. Manages the implementation of the City's storm drain stenciling program. Responds in a timely manner to requests for information by residents and other parties.
6. Natural Resources: Assists in grant activities for water resources and natural resources projects. Researches grant opportunities, provides input for grant development, and assists in grant writing, implementation, and administration.
7. Project Management: Oversees a variety of contractors performing work for stormwater maintenance practices to ensure functionality, lake management activities, or restoration projects. Serves as the main liaison to communicate updates from the contractor and the neighborhood. Assists with forestry and other natural resources functions as necessary.
8. Wildlife Management: Oversees City’s Deer Management Program and assists residents with questions concerning to wildlife.
9. Performs other duties consistent with the tasks of the position as assigned by the City.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in water resources, natural resources, aquatic biology, limnology, environmental studies, or closely related field.
• Three years of related field experience in implementing water resources projects, plans, or monitoring.
• Working knowledge of water resources management practices and principles, including requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit (MS4) Program.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to perform research, assemble information, and prepare detailed reports of technical information for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, other agencies, volunteer groups, and residents.
• Strong customer service orientation; must maintain a positive professional manner while resolving citizen issues.
• Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office, Windows, and other departmental software such as Asset Management software.
• Ability to organize and lead multiple projects and priorities, manage workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and excellent driving record.
• Ability to safely operate a watercraft and use a variety of scientific field equipment including water auto samplers, probes, and rain gauge.
• Ability to follow safe work practices according to law, City policies, and generally accepted safe work standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in water resources, natural resources, aquatic biology, limnology, environmental studies, or closely related field.
• Additional years of work experience in a related field.
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or Erosion Control Certification.
• Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local laws governing stormwater best management programs and public water projects.
• Experience administering the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act.
• Proficient with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications and Asset Management software Cartegraph OMS.
• Proficient in native plant vs. invasive species field identification.
• Demonstrated ability to provide ideas for innovations and follow through to implementation.
• Experience engaging audiences through social media outreach and traditional educational channels.
• Experience grant writing in water or natural resources.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and outdoors based on assignment.
• Primary job functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light weight (50 pounds).
• Ability to perform physical labor commonly encountered in environmental field studies and operations, including working in a variety of outdoor settings and weather conditions.

Reports to:Natural Resources Coordinator.
Starting Pay Rate:Within stated range, dependent on qualifications.
Schedule:Full-time, 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday, days. Must be available for occasional schedule changes or overtime.
Other:Offers of employment are contingent on successful result of background investigation.