Local recruitment: Regional Clean Water Legacy Specialist (State Prog Admin Principal)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Bemidji, MN, USA 🇺🇸

Detroit Lakes, MN, USA 🇺🇸

Fergus Falls, MN, USA 🇺🇸

Job ID: 61961

Location: Bemidji;Detroit Lakes;Fergus Falls

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: Regional Clean Water Legacy Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/18/2023
  • Closing Date: 02/07/2023
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
  • Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources / Region 1 Northern Staff
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday – Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes; Periodic region-wide travel for meetings and field surveys.
  • Salary Range: $28.96 – $42.67 / hourly; $60,468 – $89,094 / annually
  • Job Class Option: Aquatic Biologist
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • Work Location: Preferred location Bemidji; location negotiable within region
  • FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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

The Regional Clean Water Legacy Specialist will serve as the lead DNR employee in the NW Region to address water quality issues by promoting functional, healthy watersheds through advanced technical and planning assistance, and project implementation guidance. Primary partners include DNR staff, other units of government, consultants, and local citizens and organizations involved in preparing and implementing systems oriented watershed assessment, restoration and protection plans such as Watershed Restoration a Protection Strategies (WRAPS) plans, as well as implementation plans such as One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) and restoration and/or protection projects funded wholly or partially by the Clean Water Legacy Act.

Responsibilities Include: 

  • Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to local teams for the development of Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS), Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) and One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) studies that address water quality and biological impairments from an ecologically-based, watershed approach.
  • Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to local units of government, citizen organizations, and other clean water partners for the development and implementation of restoration projects intended to achieve the necessary impairment reductions. Facilitate effective DNR input into restoration efforts so that impaired lakes, rivers and wetlands in the region achieve water quality standards, and improve watershed health and function
  • Provide advanced technical and planning assistance to local units of government, citizen organizations, and other clean water partners in the development and implementation of Clean Water Legacy plans and projects intended to protect unimpaired lakes, rivers and wetlands.
  • Lead DNR Clean Water Legacy activities in the Northwest Region. Ensure that Department clean water efforts are coordinated, watershed-based, and result in the DNR being an active and effective partner working on Clean Water Legacy efforts across the region.
  • Enhance personal knowledge of watershed-based science, function and management that supports working toward healthy aquatic ecosystems.  Share the acquired knowledge and concepts with DNR staff and external partners so they can more effectively participate in clean water efforts.
  • Coordinate with other partners, both inside and outside DNR, to facilitate the development of practices, procedures and science-based policies that support Clean Water Legacy and related DNR resource management goals.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location as needed for meetings, training, onboarding and various other activities.  Periodic travel throughout the NW Region will also be necessary to attend meetings and conduct field work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology/ecology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, fisheries, watershed management, or related field.
  • Two years of professional work experience in natural resources management and planning pertaining to lakes, rivers, or watersheds.
  • 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

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Doctorate) in aquatic biology/ecology, hydrology, limnology/stream ecology, fisheries, watershed management, or related field.
  • Training and experience in fluvial geomorphology.
  • Knowledge of water and land resource issues and interactions in the Northern region of Minnesota
  • Familiarity with hydrological and water quality data analysis and modeling, including the ability to apply those models to specific project situations.
  • Knowledge of state and federal resource management agencies, local governmental units, and their respective authority, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.
  • Ability to run complex hydrologic, stream habitat, and/or watershed models independently.

Physical Requirements

Medium Work – Occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pound bags maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check
  • SEMA4 Records Check
  • Criminal History Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Education/license 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.

If you have questions about the position, contact Tom Groshens at tom.groshens@state.mn.us or 218-830-9292.

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.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

  • 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
  • 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
  • 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
  • 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

  • Public pension plan
  • Training and professional development
  • Paid vacation and sick leave
  • 11 paid holidays each year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Low-cost medical and dental coverage
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Wellness programs and resources
  • Employer paid life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability
  • Health care spending and savings accounts
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Tax-deferred compensation
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.


AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.


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