Watershed Project Manager - Environmental Specialist 4 - Job ID 75453

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

This position provides project development, project management, and technical and programmatic support to Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) projects, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies, federal Clean Water Act Section 319 (CWA Section 319) projects, Clean Water Partnership (CWP) loans, and other special projects to protect and/or improve water quality in the State of Minnesota. The ultimate purpose of these projects is to improve and/or protect water quality in the Lower Mississippi and Cedar River basins through the restoration of impaired waters and/or the protection of unimpaired waters.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Hydrology, Natural Resources, Limnology, Chemistry, Water Resources, or other similar ecological or environmental sciences, AND

Two years of advanced professional-level environmental protection or pollution control experience which includes working knowledge of water resource concerns, hydrology and understanding of water pollution control science and technology (e.g., advanced professional-level experience is equivalent to Senior Environmental Specialist/Environmental Specialist 3 level work.)

Ability to coordinate and lead a group or groups of watershed stakeholders (including state agency staff, soil and water conservation districts, counties, local resource professionals, and citizens) within diverse memberships and occasional conflicting priorities.

Good communication skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration skills, and planning/organization skills sufficient to independently perform senior-level professional work.

Advanced technical and administrative writing skills.

Advanced knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Access, and Excel.

Possess a valid Driver’s license (see additional requirements).

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Working knowledge of watershed management principles and practices, limnology, hydrology, stream ecology, and contaminant transport principles, particularly in the context of Southeast Minnesota. This natural science knowledge must be balanced with an understanding of social, political, and economic considerations.

Demonstrated ability to independently complete projects and deliverables pertaining to water quality restoration and protection. 

Knowledge of water quality standards and designated uses to be able to sufficiently explain to stakeholders and to develop projects that will return water quality to standards and designated uses.

Experience and or knowledge of contracting and grants/loans policies and procedures, and budgeting, sufficient to follow and keep accurate records.

Project management experience especially that pertaining to watershed management projects (WRAPS, TMDL, CWP loans, and 319 grants).

Proficient in Graphic Information System (GIS) software manipulation and editing.

Familiarity with water quality models and the application of their outputs in watershed management. 

Experience and training related to Tribal – State Relations.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk and step over obstacles in uneven terrain. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders and boxes, tools, or heavier materials with help from others and/or moving light objects frequently. A job in this category may require maintaining a stationary position to a significant degree or may involve a certain amount of moving necessary in carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

A driver’s license is an essential function of this position. This requires possession of an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License. The job offer is contingent on confirmation of a valid driver’s license AND a satisfactory DLR check.

Requires a Class D Driver's License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver's license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

About Pollution Control Agency 

Our mission is to protect and improve the environment and human health. We work with many partners (citizens, communities, and businesses, all levels of government, environmental groups and educators) to prevent pollution, conserve resources, and to help ensure polluting does not have disproportionate impact on any groups of people. We emphasize work-life balance with flex schedules, compressed schedules, and options to telework for some positions.