Water Resources Specialist

Print  Water Resources Specialist Salary $80,600.00 - $101,608.00 Annually Location Central Maintenance Facility - Apple Valley, MN Job Type Full-Time Regular Job Number 2026-00067 Department Public Works Division Natural Resources Opening Date 10/13/2026 Closing Date 10/28/2026 12:00 PM Central DescriptionBenefitsQuestions Summary Of Position Assists in the administration and implementation of policies and programs in the Natural Resources Division to preserve and enhance water resources. Assists in planning maintenance, improvements, and water quality monitoring for approximately 300 lakes, ponds and wetlands. Essential Duties And Responsibilities Stormwater Coordination: Assists with coordination of federal and state agencies regarding water quality issues. Responsible for the development, implementation, and record keeping requirements related to the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit (MS4) Program. Assists with the administration and implementation of water resources programs among agencies and City departments. Inspects and prioritizes ponds and wetlands for improvement projects on an annual basis. Assists in targeted subwatershed planning to improve lake health in several impaired water bodies.Monitor Water Quality: Leads field data collection and database management related to water quality programs. May include water quality monitoring, wildlife and vegetation surveys, and wetland monitoring. Assists with coordination of water quality programs for lake association groups, watershed organizations, and state and county government agencies. Addresses concerns and may act as liaison to these entities.Project Review: Assists in the review of land use proposals to determine impact on water resources. Assists with recommendation of measures to protect water quality in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Ensures implementation and compliance with City plans, ordinances and policies related to water quality and environmental resources. Coordinates wetland protection activities, including administration of the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act. Keeps informed on all current specifications, regulations, codes, practices, and standards related to water resources.Education and Outreach: Responds to citizen complaints and requests for assistance with native landscaping, drainage, erosion control, aquatic vegetation species identification, and water quality issues. Coordinates content for social media and website. Assists at community events, workshops, and watershed events.Volunteer Management: Assists in the development, implementation, coordination, and presentation of volunteer programs related to lake and wetland monitoring and protection, including Citizen Assisted Monitoring Program (CAMP) and Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). Includes seeking out new volunteers and coordinating volunteer groups. Manages the implementation of the City's storm drain stenciling program. Responds in a timely manner to requests for information by residents and other parties.Natural Resources: Assists in grant activities for water resources and natural resources projects. Researches grant opportunities, provides input for grant development, and assists in grant writing, implementation, and administration.Project Management: Oversees a variety of contractors performing work for stormwater maintenance practices to ensure functionality, lake management activities, or restoration projects. Serves as the main liaison to communicate updates from the contractor and the neighborhood. Assists with forestry and other natural resources functions as necessary.Wildlife Management: Oversees City’s Deer Management Program and assists residents with questions concerning to wildlife. Performs other duties consistent with the tasks of the position as assigned by the City. Qualifications Minimum Requirements: Bachelor's degree in water resources, natural resources, aquatic biology, limnology, environmental studies, or closely related field.Three years of related field experience in implementing water resources projects, plans, or monitoring.Working knowledge of water resources management practices and principles, including requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit (MS4) Program.Excellent communication and presentation skills.Ability to perform research, assemble information, and prepare detailed reports of technical information for a variety of audiences.Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, other agencies, volunteer groups, and residents.Strong customer service orientation; must maintain a positive professional manner while resolving citizen issues.Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office, Windows, and other departmental software such as Asset Management software.Ability to organize and lead multiple projects and priorities, manage workload, work under pressure and meet deadlines.Valid driver's license and excellent driving record.Ability to safely operate a watercraft and use a variety of scientific field equipment including water auto samplers, probes, and rain gauge.Ability to follow safe work practices according to law, City policies, and generally accepted safe work standards. Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree in water resources, natural resources, aquatic biology, limnology, environmental studies, or closely related field.Additional years of work experience in a related field.Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or Erosion Control Certification.Advanced understanding of federal, state, and local laws governing stormwater best management programs and public water projects.Experience administering the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act.Proficient with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications and Asset Management software Cartegraph OMS.Proficient in native plant vs. invasive species field identification.Demonstrated ability to provide ideas for innovations and follow through to implementation.Experience engaging audiences through social media outreach and traditional educational channels.Experience grant writing in water or natural resources. Working Conditions and Physical Requirements: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment and outdoors based on assignment.Primary job functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light weight (50 pounds).Ability to perform physical labor commonly encountered in environmental field studies and operations, including working in a variety of outdoor settings and weather conditions. Additional Information Reports to: Natural Resources Coordinator. Starting Pay Rate: Within stated range, dependent on qualifications. Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday, days. Must be available for occasional schedule changes or overtime. Other: Offers of employment are contingent on successful result of background investigation. Regular, full-time employees of the City of Apple Valley are eligible for a benefits package. Annual Leave. Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, or personal leave. Accrues each pay period. 15 days per year for first 5 years of employment. Holidays. Paid time off on 12 designated holidays plus 1 personal floating holiday per year. Insurance. Employer-paid employee health, dental, and life insurance. Dependent coverage available. Disability. Income replacement insurance for short and long term disability, if unable to work due to illness or injury. Subject to waiting periods and medical confirmation of disability. Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) Pension plan. State mandated pension plan. Employee and Employer contributions. Members are vested in the plan after 3 years. Deferred Compensation Plan (457). Income set aside on a pre-tax basis for the purpose of retirement income. Investments are participant-directed. Participation is optional and the City does not contribute to the plan. Flexible Spending Arrangements. Tax-free reimbursement accounts for health care and daycare expenses. EAP. Free Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services to employees, family, and household members. Wellness & Fitness. Free on-campus fitness room featuring cardio and weight machines, free weights and kettle bells, open mat space and more. Shower and locker rooms also on site. Wellness programs and fitness classes offered. Payroll Automatic Deposit. Payroll checks are automatically deposited into your designated checking and/or savings account(s) each bi-weekly payday. This summary highlights certain benefits available through the City of Apple Valley. Benefits may differ based on union contracts for employees represented by a collective bargaining unit. If there are any differences between benefits as described in this summary and the legal plan documents or contracts, the plan documents or contracts shall govern. This summary is for information only and is subject to change or revocation without notice. This summary shall not constitute a contract or guarantee, express or implied. 01 The City of Apple Valley awards veterans' preference points to qualified veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans in accordance with Minnesota State Statute 197.447. Are you requesting Veteran's Preference Points for this position? If so, please select your Veterans status and assure you have attached a copy of your DD-214 and/or documentation verifying your service-connected disability rating if you are deemed a disabled veteran, as defined in state statute, to your application. Not ApplicableVeteranDisabled VeteranSpouse of Deceased VeteranSpouse of Disabled Veteran 02 Do you have a bachelors degree in water resources, natural resources, aquatic biology, limnology, environmental studies or a closely related field? YesNo 03 Do you have at least three years of related experience in implementing water resources projects, plans, or monitoring? YesNo 04 Do you have knowledge of water resources management practices and principles, including requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit (MS4) Program? YesNo 05 Do you have a valid driver's license and excellent driving record? YesNo 06 Do you have experience in presenting information to public audiences? YesNo 07 What best describes the number of years of experience you have in the water resources field? NoneLess than one year of experienceOne year to less than two yearsTwo years to less than three yearsThree years to less than five yearsFive years plus 08 Do you have experience with asset management software? YesNo 09 Do you have experience administering the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act? YesNo 10 Do you have related work experience in the public sector? YesNo 11 What best describes your experience with Microsoft products (Outlook, Word, Excel)? BeginnerIntermediateAdvanced 12 Do you have experience with aquatic plant management? YesNo 13 What best describes your previous amount of experience with the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Permit)? NoneLess than one year of experienceOne year to less than two yearsTwo years to less than three yearsThree years plus 14 Do you have Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or Erosion Control Certification? YesNo 15 What best describes your knowledge of TMDLs and experience in water quality monitoring? NoneLess than one yearOne year to more than two years Required Question Employer City of Apple Valley Address 7100 147th St. W. Apple Valley, Minnesota, 55124 Phone 952-953-2500 Website https://applevalleymn.gov/ Please verify your email address Verify Email Job Opportunities Account Privacy Policy Terms Of Use Accessibility Statement Copyright © 2026 Do not sell my personal information For California Residents, And To The Extent NEOGOV Sells Your Personal Information As The Term “sell” Is Defined Under The California Consumer Privacy Act, You Have The Right To Opt-out Of The Sale Of Your Personal Information By Us To Third Parties At Any Time. This Setting Only Applies To Registered Account Holders That Have Opted-in For An Access Membership. If You Wish To Opt-out Click Follow These Steps Log into your Job Seeker ProfileClick your name in the upper right-hand cornerSelect Account SettingsSelect the Preferences sectionClick the Edit button next to Access MembershipSwitch Toggle to offClick Save If you do not have a registered account this setting does not apply, however, you can review your right on our privacy policy. If you require further assistance, please email privacy@neogov.com Accessibility Statement At Governmentjobs.com, Inc. d/b/a NEOGOV, we recognize the importance of making our products and services accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities, and are continually working to improve the experience for all users. Commitment to Accessibility We are committed to following best practices, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, to the extent feasible, however, we do not warrant compliance with these standards or any other accessibility standards. We are continually enhancing our platforms to ensure greater accessibility, and we actively seek out opportunities to improve accessibility features. Ongoing Enhancements Accessibility is an ongoing effort, and we are regularly updating our technology, services, and content to address accessibility barriers. Our team is dedicated to identifying areas for improvement and making enhancements that allow all users, regardless of their abilities, to fully engage with our services. Feedback and Assistance We value feedback from our users. If you encounter any accessibility barriers while using our services or have suggestions on how we can improve, please reach out to us at accessibility@neogov.com. We will make every effort to resolve any concerns and consider alternative options where possible. Thank you for choosing NEOGOV. We remain dedicated to improving accessibility and creating an inclusive experience for all.