WETLAND AND DRAINAGE COORDINATOR

Isanti County Government Center; Cambridge (MN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

Isanti County Government Center in Cambridge, MN seeks a Wetland and Drainage Coordinator to administer WCA, inspect wetlands, and coordinate drainage duties. You will work with regulatory agencies, landowners, and the County Water Plan team to ensure compliance and implement watershed plans.

The position requires an associate degree or equivalent experience, a valid driver’s license, and in-person work at the County Zoning Office. Full-time, 40 hours/week.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in environmental science, natural resources, water resources, physical or biological sciences, or closely related field required or two years of related experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to perform field inspections in varying terrain and environmental conditions.

Responsibilities

• Administers the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) for the County and reviews applications for compliance.
• Conducts field inspections, gathers information, and determines compliance.
• Provides technical information to landowners, applicants, consultants, and agencies.
• Coordinates with the Technical Evaluation Panel and regulatory agencies on wetland matters.
• Plans and participates in County Water Plan and watershed plan activities.
• Inspects erosion and sediment control measures in shoreland and wetland areas.
• Maintains drainage records and assists with statutory drainage duties under 103E.
• Coordinates drainage maintenance with engineers, landowners, and authorities.
• Maintains records and assists with drainage proceedings.

Job description

INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL JOB POSTING

Job Details

Position: Wetland and Drainage Coordinator

Department: County Zoning Office

Location: Cambridge, MN

Job Type: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Work Setting: On-site; regular in-person attendance required

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Union Affiliation: Teamsters Local 320 Courthouse

Compensation

• Expected 2026 Hiring Range: $30.36 – $32.37 per hour ($63,148.80 – $67,329.60 annually), depending on qualifications, relevant experience, and internal equity.
• Full Range: $30.36 – $39.23 per hour ($63,148.80 – $81,598.40 annually), with the potential for additional longevity-based pay.

Posting Details

• Posted: Friday, August 14, 2026
• Application Deadline: Monday August 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
• Equal Opportunity Employer: AA/EEO

Application and Selection Process

Following the application deadline, Human Resources will review all submitted applications. Applicants whose qualifications meet the position requirements will be contacted by email with information regarding the next steps in the selection process.

Interviews for this position will be conducted in-person on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. If selected for the position, the successful candidate must be available to begin employment on Monday, September 14, 2026, to attend a required off-site, in-person training scheduled for September 14-18, 2026.

Benefits

Isanti County offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care
• Life insurance (basic coverage for yourself plus optional voluntary coverage)
• Long-term disability insurance
• Paid Time Off, including vacation, sick, and personal leave
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Deferred compensation plans
• Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) contributions from both employer and employee
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employee Wellness Program

To view the available insurance and benefit options.

General Definition of Work

Performs professional and technical work primarily administering the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) and related wetland conservation activities for the County. Responsibilities include reviewing applications, conducting field inspections, determining compliance, coordinating with regulatory agencies, providing technical assistance, and supporting implementation of the County Water Plan and local watershed plans. The position also performs assigned responsibilities for administration, inspection, maintenance coordination, and recordkeeping of County public drainage systems under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103E.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Zoning Administrator. Drainage activities are coordinated under the direction of the County Administrator or designee.

Essential Functions

• Administers the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) and applicable wetland regulations for the County; reviews applications and supporting documentation; determines applicability, exemptions, and compliance; and administers required application and approval process.
• Investigates complaints and suspected wetland violations; conducts field inspections; gathers and evaluates information; determines compliance with applicable requirements; and issues notices of non-compliance, citations, or other corrective actions as appropriate.
• Provides technical information and assistance to property owners, applicants, consultants, contractors, and local, state, and federal agencies regarding wetland regulations, applications, exemptions, compliance requirements, and related processes.
• Coordinates and collaborates with the Technical Evaluation Panel and other regulatory agencies on wetland applications, site evaluations, compliance matters, and other activities required under the Wetland Conservation Act.
• Plans, facilitates, and participates in meetings and activities associated with the County Water Plan and local watershed plans.
• Inspects erosion and sediment control measures to ensure proper installation and compliance in shoreland and wetland areas.
• Administers the County's public drainage systems in accordance with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103E, including maintaining drainage records, coordinating required inspections, and supporting the County Drainage Authority.
• Conducts field inspections of County drainage systems, investigates drainage concerns, documents findings, and recommends maintenance or repairs necessary to preserve the function of the public drainage system.
• Coordinates statutory drainage maintenance and repair activities with contractors, landowners, the County Engineer, County Auditor, County Attorney, and other agencies, as necessary.
• Maintains drainage system records, maps, assessments, and related documentation, and assists with statutory drainage proceedings, reports, and other administrative requirements.
• Assists with other duties assigned by the Zoning Administrator.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, water resources, physical or biological sciences, or a closely related field; OR two years of related experience in wetland conservation, water resources, environmental compliance, natural resources, regulatory administration, or a closely related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to perform field inspections over varying terrain and in varying environmental conditions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of wetland conservation principles, the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), and applicable wetland laws, rules, and regulations.
• Knowledge of wetland delineations, wetland applications and permitting processes, exemptions, compliance requirements, and erosion and sediment control best management practices.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and planning requirements related to County water and watershed plans.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Statutes Chapter 103E and requirements governing public drainage systems.
• Knowledge of the roles and responsibilities of local, state, and federal agencies involved in wetland, water resource, and drainage matters.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of GIS, maps, property records, and record management systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, rules, regulations, plans, and technical information consistently and impartially.
• Ability to review applications and technical information, conduct field inspections over varying terrain, evaluate site conditions, document findings, and determine compliance.
• Ability to analyze complex situations and information, exercise sound judgment, and make recommendations within assigned areas of responsibility.
• Ability to communicate technical and regulatory information clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to landowners, applicants, contractors, government agencies, boards, and the public.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, coordinate activities among multiple parties, and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to prepare reports, correspondence, documentation, and presentations and present information effectively to groups and the public.
• Ability to organize work, maintain accurate records, manage multiple priorities, and meet applicable deadlines.
• Ability to use computers, applicable software, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements And Activity

This work requires the frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force and occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions, frequently requires sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms and pushing or pulling and occasionally requires standing, walking, tasting or smelling and lifting.

Sensory Requirements

Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.

Sensory Utilization

Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities.

Environmental Conditions

Work frequently requires exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather) and exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, working in high, precarious places, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to vibration; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

The statements in this class description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

A fully completed Isanti County Online Application and resume must be received by Human Resources by the closing date and time listed on the posting. Any materials received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

The application will be evaluated in a Training and Experience Assessment worth 100 points. Veterans Preference will be applied in accordance with Minnesota law. A top group of qualified applicants will be invited to the interview process.

Final appointment is contingent upon the applicant passing a background investigation including a criminal history search. Costs of the background will be paid for by Isanti County.

Mission

Working Together to Deliver Quality Services that are Valued by the Community, Today and Tomorrow