Water Resources Engineer Jobs

POSTING TYPE: Open-competitive
DEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources
HOURS: Full-time
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $73,375 - 91,719/year
FULL SALARY RANGE: $73,375 - $114,649 (109 grade)
LOCATION: Extension and Conservation Center, Farmington
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until the ideal candidate is identified. The first review of applications will occur on April 5th.
The Water Resources Engineer functions in a professional capacity to develop and implement activities related to water resources engineering and project management, including but not limited to watershed management, capital project plans and projects, stormwater regulatory programs, flood damage mitigation and regulation, and related education and demonstration projects. The position may also be responsible for ensuring compliance with county ordinances, watershed rules, and state rules by reviewing permit applications, administering contracts and conducting inspections and/or assessments. This position is responsible for working with the Supervisor and other senior staff to plan, implement, and evaluate water resources initiatives.
Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. Our motto is “Be More” and we strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.
Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

• Registration as an Engineer in Training (EIT).
• Two years' of professional water resources engineering experience, AND
• One year of experience translating complex engineering and science concepts into clear and understandable terms that the general public would understand, AND
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a closely related field AND

• An equivalent combination of education and experience to equal 7 or more years and demonstrates an ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Valid driver's license.

• Two years' of experience translating complex engineering and science concepts into clear and understandable terms that the general public would understand.

• Strong understanding of federal, state and local regulations as they pertain to water resources, stormwater and watershed protection.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) Licensure
• Strong writing and speaking skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex engineering and science concepts into clear and understandable terms. This information may be presented to local and regional government officials and employees, state agencies, consultants, contractors, public officials, property owners, interest groups and citizens.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.
1. Provide engineering and technical services required to address water quality impairments as identified in the Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategies (WRAPS) approved Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs).
2. Implement the programs identified in the Vermillion River Watershed Management Plan.
3. Provide oversight of permitting performed under authority of the Vermillion River Watershed Joint Powers Organization (VRWJPO) and provide technical assistance to local units of government implementing VRWJPO Standards through local ordinances.
4. Engage communities to promote and implement projects and best management practices for water quality improvements or protection through partnering, cost-share and the Vermillion River Joint Powers Organization Capital Improvement Program process.
5. Assist in the evaluation and development of projects through concept, feasibility, design and potential construction oversight.
6. Assist with the implementation of the engineering/technical components of the County's MS4 Stormwater Permit and General Construction Permit requirements and the tasks outlined in related agreements.
7. Design and model best management practices for stormwater and water resources management.
8. Provide secondary assistance and support under the direction of the Dakota County Senior Water Resources Engineer for management and oversight of engineering needs for the Byllesby Dam.

• Ability to develop and execute work plans with measurable outcomes that meet environmental objectives.
• A demonstrated ability to prepare successful grant requests.
• Strong writing and speaking skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex engineering and science concepts into clear and understandable terms.
• Ability to ensure safety of self, co-workers and clients.
• Ability to present complex engineering and science concepts to local and regional government officials and employees, state agencies, consultants, contractors, public officials, property owners, interest groups and citizens.
• Ability to collaborate with others on interdisciplinary teams with different levels of knowledge and/or input.
• Knowledge of federal and state water resource standards, rules, and practices.
• Demonstrated experience bringing forward new ideas.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in addressing and coordinating the resolution of complex environmental issues, and the ability to work independent of direct supervision to resolve complex environmental issues.
• Ability to employ strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to perform or review surface water computerized models.
• Demonstrated project management skills, particularly as they may relate to environmental protection programs and initiatives.
• Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and effectively, in both verbal and written forms.
• Ability to ensure use of proper scientific methodologies.
• Understand or utilize CAD software
• Ability to prepare reports, letters, charts, maps, and other documents with strong attention to detail, using Microsoft Office Products, GIS software, and computer databases.
• Technical background and knowledge to work with regulatory and highly technical water management issues.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, representatives of government and the private sector, and the general public.
• Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and presenting technical data.
• Ability to effectively participate in multi-disciplinary teams, to be a team leader when appropriate, and have a demonstrated ability to achieve desired results through the application of team concepts.

• Ability to work from home some of the time
• Excellent work-life balance
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits

• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct background and reference checks before hiring
• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications