Job ID: 76866
Location: Mankato
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state’s natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.
Job Details
Working Title: Watershed Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior – Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 76866
- Location: Mankato
- Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 06/04/2024
- Closing Date: 06/24/2024
- 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 – Required for field visits and training.
- 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
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
The work you’ll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Job Summary
The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire a permanent full-time Watershed Specialist located in Mankato. The Watershed Specialist applies principles of river ecology to watershed assessments in the southern region following the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA) Intensive Watershed Monitoring schedule. The Watershed Specialist uses the five component framework of a healthy watershed (i.e., hydrology, biology, connectivity, water quality, and geomorphology) to assess watersheds in the southern region. Data collected by the Watershed Specialist will help deliver strategies and alternatives as part of an interagency effort to protect and restore watershed health. The Watershed Specialist will serve to provide advanced technical assistance to regional staff involved in the overall CWL effort, and deliver data to the MPCA to help with Stressor Identification. The Watershed Specialist provides technical assistance on implementation projects affecting the dimension, pattern, or profile of regional streams and rivers. 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.
Responsibilities:
- 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 achieve needed pollutant reductions 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 Regional Manager and 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.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology/ecology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, fisheries, watershed management, or related field.
- Three years of professional work experience in natural resources management and planning pertaining to lakes, rivers, or watersheds. **A relevant advanced degree may substitute for one year of experience**
- Demonstrated knowledge in aquatic ecology/biology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, watershed management, and statistics, and an understanding of hydrologic, chemical, physical, and biological behavior of rivers and streams.
- Knowledge of the principals of sustainable development, ecosystem-based management, habitat improvement and/or mitigation techniques, and water/ land resources interactions.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt approaches and practices as knowledge and experience working within Minnesota’s water management framework increases.
- Knowledge and understanding of hydrologic analyses and an ability to evaluate the impact of hydrology on riverine and lake systems.
- Ability to convey technical information to working groups whose members have a diverse range of technical backgrounds in ways that allow all members of the group to understand and incorporate the technical concept to the problem being discussed.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals and groups with diverse interests. Team building and leadership skills necessary to bring together diverse interests to accomplish common natural resource objectives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology/ecology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, fisheries, watershed management, or related field.
- Three years of professional work experience in natural resources management and planning pertaining to lakes, rivers, or watersheds. **A relevant advanced degree may substitute for one year of experience**
- Demonstrated knowledge in aquatic ecology/biology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, watershed management, and statistics, and an understanding of hydrologic, chemical, physical, and biological behavior of rivers and streams.
- Knowledge of the principals of sustainable development, ecosystem-based management, habitat improvement and/or mitigation techniques, and water/ land resources interactions.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt approaches and practices as knowledge and experience working within Minnesota’s water management framework increases.
- Knowledge and understanding of hydrologic analyses and an ability to evaluate the impact of hydrology on riverine and lake systems.
- Ability to convey technical information to working groups whose members have a diverse range of technical backgrounds in ways that allow all members of the group to understand and incorporate the technical concept to the problem being discussed.
- Highly developed interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with individuals and groups with diverse interests. Team building and leadership skills necessary to bring together diverse interests to accomplish common natural resource objectives.
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
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Tim Gieseke at tim.gieseke@state.mn.us or 507-308-0712.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@state.mn.us.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota’s State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you’ll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
