Environmental Specialist-Water Planning/Wetlands, Environmental Services Department

Stearns County is hiring an Environmental Specialist for Water Planning/Wetlands in Waite Park, MN. The role involves implementing the Aquatic Invasive Species program, coordinating watershed planning, and administering the Wetland Conservation Act. Key responsibilities include reviewing projects for compliance, managing budgets, and conducting environmental education. The position offers a salary range of $33.95 to $49.82 per hour and requires regular attendance at the workplace.
SALARY:
Starting Salary: $33.95-$40.53/hourly
Full Range: $33.95 -$49.82/hourly
Grade 20, Non-Exempt Position, Teamsters General Unit

Our Mission: "Provide Exceptional Public Services to Assure a Safe, Healthy, Vibrant County for All"
Our Values: Professional | Approachable | Responsive | Collaborative | Fair & Equitable

Stearns County is seeking a dedicated individual to guide implementation of the Aquatic Invasive Species program, coordinate and collaborate with watershed planning projects, and assist in administration of the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA). This is an opportunity for a rewarding career in public service!

Position Objective
To provide support for the development and implementation of the Aquatic Invasive Species program, the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan and One Watershed, One Plan projects; administering the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA); and assistance with water resource education. This position is responsible for providing support to ensure conformance to the WCA, including reviewing plans and investigating wetland complaints.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
These examples do not include all possible responsibilities in this position and do not limit the assignment of related duties to this classification.

1. Assists with developing, revising, and implementing the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan and One Watershed, One Plan projects, and Stearns Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Plan to promote county goals into development and implementation of plans with key partners.
2. Assists with administering the Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) program and participates in the Wetland Rules Committee.
3. Reviews proposed projects that may impact wetlands and evaluates for compliance with legal requirements.
4. Plans and coordinates meetings and activities of the Stearns County Aquatic Invasive Species Committee.
5. Creates AIS budget and maintains record of AIS expenditures.
6. Works with lake associations and watercraft inspection vendor to develop and monitor watercraft inspections program to mitigate invasive species introductions.
7. Assists with the development, implementation, and/or revision of ordinances related to the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan, One Watershed, One Plan projects and WCA.
8. Coordinates the investigation, documentation, follow-up and resolution of violations of the WCA.
9. Ensures consistency in the administration of wetland and shoreland policies and procedures.
10. Evaluates proposed projects and reviews plans, which may impact drinking water supply management areas and wellhead protection areas or wetlands to assess compliance with the Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan, One Watershed, One Plan projects and WCA.
11. Coordinates and participates in environmental educational activities and develops educational materials.
12.Assists with preparing, submitting, and monitoring grants, contracts, and reports.
13. Coordinates and conducts the investigation, documentation, follow-up, and resolution of diverse environmental issues.
14. Utilizes the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) interface to manage projects.
15. Attends work regularly and in a timely manner.
16. Performs other duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must possess the following:
• Bachelor's degree or higher in environmental studies, physical science, biological science, planning or similar field and two years of related experience
• Valid Minnesota Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
• Reliable means of transportation to travel to multiple locations around Stearns County, some of which may not be accessible by public transportation
• Experience using Microsoft Office Applications

Preferred Experience Beyond Minimum Qualifications:
• Experience working with ESRI GIS software

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of environmental legislation and the legislative process.

2. Knowledge of wetland laws and policies.

3. Knowledge of public policy, soils, hydrology, groundwater, and land use.

4. Knowledge of legal procedures involved in the enforcement of regulations.

5. Knowledge of developing and implementing plans and programs in the public sector.

6. Knowledge of general administration principles in the public sector.

7. Knowledge of the Wetland Conservation Act and related laws.

8. Ability to write clear, concise technical reports and effectively use spreadsheets.

9. Ability to make independent decisions and explain regulatory provisions with tact and courtesy.

10. Ability to negotiate effectively.

11. Ability to collaborate and coordinate activities efficiently with other staff and a broad client base.

12. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

13. Ability to exercise sound judgment in the decision-making process.

14. Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.

Accountabilities Shared By All Employees
1. Performs job responsibilities in a manner consistent with the County's mission and values.
2. Develops and maintains a thorough working knowledge of all department and County-wide policies, protocols and procedures that apply to the performance of this position.
3. Develops respectful and cooperative working relationships with co-workers.
4. Informs immediate supervisor of all important matters pertaining to assigned job responsibilities.
5. Seeks opportunities for further personal growth and development.
6. Represents the County in a professional manner to all internal and external contacts when doing the County's business.
7. Complies with all rules and policies in order to maintain a safe work environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
The primary responsibilities for this position will be performed approximately 90% of the time indoors and approximately 10% of the time outdoors. Will require frequent travel to off-site locations and minimal attendance at evening meetings. Will have some exposure to health hazards and accidents; requires a moderate level of physical effort and walks over uneven ground while performing field work.

Extent of Supervision or Guidance Provided
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Division Supervisor for the Ag and Water Resources Division.

Responsibility for Public Contact
Frequent.

Hours of Work
This position has a normal work schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; may include some hours outside of normal work hours on occasion.

Interview Date
If you are selected to be interviewed for this position, interviews will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025. Invitations to interview will be sent to the email address listed on the job application and will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. A job specific physical, drug and/or psychological exam may be required before appointment.

If you require special accommodations to participate in the Stearns County hiring process, please contact us at 320-656-3606.