Water Resources Specialist

City of Apple Valley, MN; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 81,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

PERA pension

Holidays

Wellness programs

Job summary

The City of Apple Valley, MN seeks a Water Resources Specialist to support the Natural Resources Division in preserving and enhancing water resources. The role includes planning maintenance, improvements, and water quality monitoring for approximately 300 lakes, ponds and wetlands.

Qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in water resources or related field and several years of relevant experience, plus strong communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and MS4 compliance

Qualifications

• 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 MS4 program requirements and water resources management principles.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports of technical information for varied audiences.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, agencies, volunteers, and residents.
• Strong customer service orientation and positive professionalism.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and asset management software.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate field equipment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate stormwater programs and MS4 permit compliance.
• Lead water quality data collection and database management.
• Review land use proposals for water resources impact.
• Plan and deliver education and outreach to residents and groups.
• Develop and manage volunteer programs (CAMP, WHEP).
• Assist in grant activities and writing for water resources projects.
• Oversee contractors for stormwater and lake management projects.
• Support wildlife management and other natural resources duties.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Project management

Relationship building

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in water resources or related field

Master's degree in water resources or related field

Tools

GIS

Asset Management software

Job description

Water Resources Specialist

Salary: $80,600.00 - $101,608.00 Annually

Location: Central Maintenance Facility - Apple Valley, MN

Job Type: Full-Time Regular

Job Number: 2026-00067

Department: Public Works

Division: Natural Resources

Opening Date: 10/13/2026

Closing Date: 10/28/2026 12:00 PM Central

Summary Of Position

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.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Wildlife Management: Oversees City’s Deer Management Program and assists residents with questions concerning to wildlife.
• Performs other duties consistent with the tasks of the position as assigned by the City.

Qualifications

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.

Additional Information

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.

Benefits

• Regular, full-time employees of the City of Apple Valley are eligible for a benefits package.
• Annual Leave. Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, or personal leave. Accrues each pay period. 15 days per year for first 5 years of employment.
• Holidays. Paid time off on 12 designated holidays plus 1 personal floating holiday per year.
• Insurance. Employer-paid employee health, dental, and life insurance. Dependent coverage available.
• Disability. Income replacement insurance for short and long term disability, if unable to work due to illness or injury. Subject to waiting periods and medical confirmation of disability.
• Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Pension plan. State mandated pension plan. Employee and Employer contributions. Members are vested in the plan after 3 years.
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457). Income set aside on a pre-tax basis for the purpose of retirement income. Investments are participant-directed. Participation is optional and the City does not contribute to the plan.
• Flexible Spending Arrangements. Tax-free reimbursement accounts for health care and daycare expenses.
• EAP. Free Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services to employees, family, and household members.
• Wellness & Fitness. Free on-campus fitness room featuring cardio and weight machines, free weights and kettle bells, open mat space and more. Shower and locker rooms also on site. Wellness programs and fitness classes offered.
• Payroll Automatic Deposit. Payroll checks are automatically deposited into your designated checking and/or savings account(s) each bi-weekly payday.

This summary highlights certain benefits available through the City of Apple Valley. Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. If there are any differences between benefits as described in this summary and the legal plan documents or contracts, the plan documents or contracts shall govern. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied.

The City of Apple Valley awards veterans' preference points to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans in accordance with Minnesota State Statute 197.447.