Job Information
State of Minnesota Watershed Specialist / NR Spec Sr Eco Svcs in Mankato, Minnesota
Working Title: Watershed Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/19/2024
Closing Date : 05/09/2024
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $27.58 - $40.49 / hourly; $57,587 - $84,543 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Telework Eligible : Yes
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes
Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
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Job Summary
This position exists to apply principles in river ecology to watershed assessments in the southern region, including assessment of hydrology, biology, connectivity, water quality, and geomorphology that deliver strategies and alternatives as part of an interagency effort to protect and restore healthy watersheds. The Watershed Specialist will serve as part of a regional team to deliver technical expertise and assistance to protect or restore healthy watersheds in Minnesota. This position is an integral part of a larger effort to systematically and effectively collect, disseminate, and convey advanced scientific information on a watershed basis within a comprehensive framework. Analysis of existing GIS layers and valley morphology, drainage network, stream type, stream state or condition, and sediment transport are an integral part of the technical research conducted by this position. The incumbent will collaborate with local governments, watershed groups and organizations, soil and water conservation district personnel, and other state and federal agencies to provide strategies and alternatives as part of an interagency effort to protect and restore healthy watersheds. The Watershed Specialist will serve to provide advanced technical assistance to regional staff involved in the overall Clean Water Legacy (CWL) effort, preparing and implementing watershed assessment plans, including Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) studies and implementation and protection plans, so that DNR expertise to promote and enhance functional and healthy aquatic habitats is effectively delivered.
Responsibilities Include:
Design, conduct, and evaluate Watershed Assessment of River Stability and Sediment Supply (WARSSS) studies and other research investigations as necessary, to provide advanced technical information and assistance to regional and local teams to address water quality impairments and facilitate effective DNR input so that comprehensive, ecologically-based studies assessing lake and river pollution in the region are developed.
Enhance personal knowledge of the watershed-based science that supports healthy aquatic ecosystems and help educate DNR staff and other partner organizations about that science so that internal and external partners are knowledgeable and can actively participate in Clean Water Initiative efforts.
Provide advanced technical assistance and planning assistance to internal and external partners, including other Sections and Divisions within the DNR, state agencies, local units of government, citizen organizations, and other participating technical staff in the development of restoration (i.e. implementation) plans that will address identified impairments and facilitate effective DNR input into these planning efforts so that impaired lakes and rivers in the region are restored to health and achieve water quality standards.
In conjunction with the Asst. Regional Manager and Regional Clean Water Legacy Specialist, administer the regional DNR Clean Water Field Team so that primary regional issues are addressed in a scientifically sound manner and the DNR plays an active leadership role in the Clean Water Legacy Initiative.
Participate in the development and implementation of Clean Water Legacy protection plans for unimpaired waters and facilitate effective DNR input into these planning efforts so that the ecological health of these regional waters is safeguarded from future impairment.
Coordinate with other partners, both inside and outside DNR, to facilitate the collection of data and the development of science-based practices policies that support CWL and related DNR resource management and policy goals.
Provide technical assistance in the implementation of stream restoration and road/stream crossing projects for design, construction oversite and monitoring.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and maybe eligible to telework on a full or part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Hydrology, Fluvial Geomorphology, Forestry, Fisheries, Wildlife, Aquatic Entomology, Environmental Management or closely related field with coursework in aquatic/hydraulic sciences, plant biology and ecology.
Three years professional experience related to assessment or management of stream and watershed related ecological and/or physical processes, including fluvial geomorphology, stream ecology, hydrology, fisheries, professional engineer (working on stream restoration) or watershed management. An advanced degree in a field listed above may substitute one year of experience
Experience designing and conducting topographic stream surveys and/or biological assessments.
Experience collecting, compiling and analyzing fluvial geomorphology, hydrologic and/or hydraulic or similar data.
Demonstrated competence in the use of geographic information systems (e.g., ArcMap/ArcPro) sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products, as well as competence in word processing, and in the use of spreadsheets, and relational databases to enter, manipulate and report data.
Ability to maintain and operate tools and equipment, such as survey equipment (total station, GPS, etc.) and related survey tools.
Knowledge of the physical and ecological processes of fluvial systems as well as terrestrial, wetland, and aquatic ecology stressing an understanding of the complex relationships involving wildlife, fisheries, and plant communities, and fisheries and wildlife management.
Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance, training and to achieve cooperation and collaboration with clients, peers, and staff.
Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
Experience effectively managing and prioritizing a large and multifaceted workload and carrying multiple projects through to completion.
Communication skills sufficient to communicate technical and non-technical information to large or small groups such as land managers, industry representatives, interest groups, government officials, and members of the public and to write convincing and well-documented reports on resource issues.
Preferred Qualifications
An advanced degree in ecology, biology, conservation biology, fluvial geomorphology, stream restoration, civil engineering, fisheries, landscape ecology, environmental management, or related field.
Fluvial Geomorphology training (especially Rosgen methodology) and familiarity with survey techniques and use of equipment.
Experience with watershed management coordination or stream restoration design.
Ability to incorporate considerable knowledge and analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action.
Working knowledge of other state and federal resource management agencies, local governmental units, and their respective authority, rules and procedures, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.
Ability to understand project proposals and evaluate potential impacts.
Basic skills in soil science, limnology, hydrology, silviculture, surveying, chemistry, and/or statistics.
Knowledge and experience working within a regulatory program.
Knowledge and experience working with other DNR divisions, federal agencies, county and local governments, developers, and landowners.
Experience integrating basic ecological research and ecological theory with land use planning to promote conservation.
Training and/or experience in negotiation and conflict management.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review
Criminal History Check
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification Verification
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.