Watershed Restoration Specialist

South Washington Watershed District; Minneapolis, Saint Paul (MN, MN); Hybrid; USD 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid personal time off

PERA retirement contributions

Health insurance with HSA

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

South Washington Watershed District is seeking a Watershed Restoration Specialist to implement resource management, lead AIS/vegetation restoration, and coordinate contractor work. The role requires hands-on field work, plant identification, and collaboration with MnDNR and partners in a hybrid work environment.

Ideal candidates hold a BS in Natural Resources or related field with at least four years of experience, strong communication, and the ability to work independently and with a small team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Natural Resources or related field.
• Minimum four years of experience in the specified program areas.
• Strong plant ID and field survey capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Implement and coordinate prescribed natural resource activities.
• Operate hand tools and small equipment for habitat work.
• Lead AIS and vegetation restoration efforts with MnDNR and partners.
• Support planning across SWWD program areas.

Skills

Plant identification

Communication skills

Time management

Independent worker

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources / Landscape Ecology or related field

Tools

Chainsaws

Canoes

Small motorboats

Job description

The South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) is a watershed district, a local government unit located in Woodbury, Minnesota. SWWD works in close partnership with residents, municipalities, and community organizations to protect and manage local water and related natural resources. District jurisdiction includes all or parts of Afton, Cottage Grove, Denmark Township, Grey Cloud Island, Hastings, Lake Elmo, Newport, Oakdale, Saint Paul Park, and Woodbury. The District focuses on water resource planning and management, education, and habitat protection to support a healthy and resilient watershed community. Our mission is to manage water and related resources of the District in cooperation with our residents and communities.

About the Position

The Watershed Restoration Specialist is a full-time, hybrid position, offering competitive pay, PTO, and ongoing education and training. This role will primarily be responsible for implementing and coordinating prescribed natural resource management activities. Specific work will include hands on work like mowing, mechanical and chemical weed control, seeding and planting, managing and coordinating work by contractors, performing ecological surveys, and collaborating with SWWD staff to develop natural resource plans. The Watershed Restoration Specialist will also lead SWWD’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Aquatic Vegetation Restoration efforts which will require collaboration and coordination with MnDNR staff, District partners, and District consultants and contractors. Finally, this position will also support planning and implementation under SWWD’s other program areas. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident in operating hand tools and small equipment, have strong plant ID skills, be comfortable working independently and as part of a small team, and experienced in engaging partners and collaborators.

About the Candidate

• Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Natural Resources, Landscape Ecology, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of experience related to specified program areas.

Qualifications

• Strong native and non-native plant identification.
• Comfortable and confident in operating hand tools, mowers, weed whips, hand and backpack sprayers, chainsaws, canoes, and small motorboats.
• Knowledge of watershed management, surface and groundwater hydrology, natural resource management, soils and biology.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, used to develop effective cooperative relationships with contractors, SWWD staff, and SWWD partners.
• Ability to take direction, work independently with minimal supervision, use good time management practices, set priorities, and balance work.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Lifting up to 50 lbs., physical labor and general building skills will be required.
• Performance of frequent assessments of sites over uneven terrain and on sites under active construction.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $68,000 to $97,000/year. Anticipated hiring range is $68,000 to $80,000 depending on qualifications and experience, plus paid personal time off, PERA retirement contributions, medical and dental insurance with health savings account (HSA) contributions, and hybrid work environment.

Selection Process

Applicants will be contacted to schedule interviews following the application deadline.

Application Deadline:

October 25th, 2026

Anticipated Start Date:

January 4th, 2027

Questions

All questions about the position should be directed to John Loomis, SWWD Administrator, by email at [e-mail] or by phone at (651)-728-6038. Visit swwdmn.gov for more information.