Watershed Specialist

24-228  Position Description: Watershed Specialist 

Division: Division of Resource Management (DRM)

Reports to: Water Resources Manager

Worksite: Water Resources Program, Environmental Department, DRM

Work Hours: M-F, 8:00am to 4:30pm, some evenings as needed

LLBO Status: Non-exempt

Safety Sensitive: Yes

License/Certification Requirements: Valid MN Driver's License preferred, current insurance or be insurable.

Summary: Responsible for implementing and managing the Non-Point Source Pollution (NPS) and Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certification (401) Programs in coordinating aspects of regional environmental compliance and policy related. Will assist in activities associated with water quality and environmental monitoring.

Education Requirements and Experience:

A minimum of B.S. in Aquatic Biology, Biology, Environmental Studies/Ecology, Chemistry, Natural Resources, or related field, or currently in final semester to obtain the aforementioned level of education required or a minimum of 3 years of experience implementing water resource activities and program management.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and other computer applications.

Experience with field and laboratory water sampling equipment.

Able to tow and trailer a boat and to operate a variety of motorboats, rowboats and canoes.

Good oral and written communication skills and customer service skills.

Minimum of 1 -year experience conducting field work and/or environmental monitoring.

Experience with grant writing/management and project development, management, and implementation with an emphasis in natural resource protection and restoration.

Familiar with Clean Water Act, Leech Lake Water Quality Standards, and other applicable Tribal, state, and federal ordinances, laws, and regulations.

Familiar with Tribal Ecological Knowledge and cultural resources. Knowledge of environmental Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Pre-employment drug testing is mandatory for all Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe positions.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Manage and build capacity for the NPS and 401 Programs and related grant funding responsibilities including project/work plan writing and follow-thru with grant processing, budgeting, reporting, etc.

Develop and maintain NPS mitigation practices (erosion, runoff, rain gardens, etc.) as well as update and manage the LLBO NPS management plan.

Locate, map and catalog Individual Septic Treatment Systems (ISTS).

Work collaboratively with the Water Program and other Departments on water quality related issues.

Prepare, implement and maintain all appropriate Quality Assurance Quality Control plans.

Assist in collecting environmental samples and maintain associated databases.

Work and participate in the preparation of reports on collected data.

Supervise and participate in the development of water quality studies, projects and monitoring programs; including analyses of water quality samples by other agency laboratories.

Be the point of contact for engagement of interdepartmental relationships as well as engagement with liaisons with federal, state, and local agencies.

Be the point of contact for applicants regarding 401 certifications.

Providing technical and scientific interpretations and advice.

Assist in review, revision, and development of policies and ordinances.

Review and provide comment on local and regional environmental open-netting.

Evaluate and manage 401 water quality certification application materials, monitoring plans, and compliance reports.

Perform site visits to ensure compliance with 401 certification requirements.

Investigate and document water quality violations and prepare reports for enforcement actions, at times in cooperation with outside government agencies.

Conduct community outreach on NPS and compliance topics.

Manage and implement NPS projects.

Apply for funding for overall Program management and projects.

Attend and or conduct all mandatory meetings and trainings as required.

Maintain confidentiality and professional ethics at all times.

Travel in and out of the states.

Understanding and sensitivity to Native American culture.

Adhere to policies governing staff conduct. Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:

Subject to both outside and office working conditions. Non-smoking environment.

Office work will include sedentary work with some standing, reaching, kneeling and bending.

Outside work will include:

Ability to drive for prolonged periods is required.

Ability to safely operate vehicles and watercraft in various weather conditions is required.

Ability to frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and carry up to 75 pounds utilizing proper lifting techniques.

Loading and unloading watercraft, often carrying equipment between sampling sites. Walking long distances over rough terrain.