Water Resources Supervisor

Job Summary

Performs a variety of advanced technical, professional, and administrative responsibilities in the management of natural and water resource programs and services mandated or otherwise established by the County Board for the protection of human health, public safety, and the environment. Responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive plans and ordinances regulating water resources. Responsible for overseeing grant writing and grant administration; annual strategic plans and budgets, and implementing the plans and budgets for Natural Resources and SWMO. The individual must have knowledge of watershed management, stream corridor management, wetland and stream hydrology, and water quality monitoring and interpretation. Responsible for supervising staff in administering the county's watershed management responsibilities, regulatory/MS4 program, FEMA administration, and upholding and helping residents come into compliance with laws, rules regulations, ordinances, and codes for maintaining and promoting community health and environmental protection within the townships. Additionally, the individual must be familiar with state, federal, and local rules and regulations applicable to Scott County's Environmental Health water resources.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Leads planning and implementation of watershed management efforts on behalf of the county. This includes managing county-based WMOs (i.e. Scott WMO and Vermillion River Watershed JPOP), coordination with two watershed districts in the county, represents the county and SWMO for state and federal planning and regulatory efforts, and management of the county's contract for services with the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District.
• Coordinates with multiple Boards, Commissions, and regulatory agencies in executing Natural Resource and Watershed Management plans, budgets and work tasks. 
• Proposes legislation.
• Researches, prepares, oversees, tracks, and reports on the Natural Resource budget and Scott Watershed Management Organization special taxing district budget, grants, and project management.
• Maintains regulatory/MS4 program
• Resolves problems and citizen issues. Coordinates problem resolution with other departments and agencies
• Works with cities and townships in the watershed organizations, and local, state, and federal agencies as needed to efficiently administer the watershed organizations; provides professional guidance to townships, watershed organizations, local, state, and federal agencies in watershed and natural resource corridor preservation and management. 
• Serves as the technical expert and lead on studies, reports, and projects related to water and natural resource issues and functions; recommends policies, processes, and solutions to address findings. 
• Oversees and coordinates grants and dedicated funds related to water and natural resource programs. 
• Supervises staff which includes, but is not limited to, hiring, assigning and directing job duties, scheduling, instructing employees in the performance of their duties, and conducting performance evaluations. 
• Leads natural resources staff to coordinate water resource related educational program. Participates in other outreach educational programs. Collaborates with others to present relevant program information on the county's website. 
• Manages contracts with outside service providers as needed to prepare special reports, and perform unique studies. 
• Works with Environmental Services Manager to update the County's Ground Water Management Plan. Ensures provisions are implemented into other plans, understood, and applied by local jurisdictions and the county. 
• Participates on various committees as required and/or requested.
• Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.
• Works the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with other employees, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other person or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Performs other duties as required and/or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires equivalency of a bachelor's Degree in Water or Natural Resource management, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, or a related field (MA/MS preferred) and six years’ experience managing progressively complex natural resource based planning and administration, program development and coordination, regulatory management, or capital project management. One year of supervisory experience required. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATION(S)

Minnesota-based Watershed Management Organization Administration or managing water resources for public or non-profit agencies highly preferred.

Public speaking and group facilitation, budgeting and communication experience with elected and appointed officials desirable.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under general guidance and direction from the Environmental Services Manager and reports on matters of significant importance and those needing policy decisions. The employee must use independent judgment based on technical expertise, policies, and county procedures when directing staff, citizens, and agency partners in dealing with the majority of natural and water resource problems and issues. The employee provides technical guidance to others, including the County Board of Commissioners on decisions involving water and natural resources. Work is reviewed on the basis of results achieved. 

The incumbent directs and oversees the work of others; including, program/service planning and delivery, personnel selection, evaluation of work performance, training, and disciplinary activities. Performs supervisory duties as defined in MN Statute 179A.03 Subd. 17.

The incumbent promotes employee professional development and provides coaching and mentoring to others.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

Customer Service - Delivers government services in a respectful, responsive, and solution-oriented manner.

Communication - Is always clear about what we're doing and why we're doing it.

Collaboration - Works with partners – communities, schools, faith groups, private business, and non-profit agencies – to see that services are not duplicated but rather are complimentary, aligned, and provided by the partners who can deliver the service most effectively.

Stewardship - Works proactively to make investments, guided by resident input, which will transform lives, communities, and government.

Empowerment - Works with individuals and families to affirm strengths, develop skills, restore hope, and promote self-reliance.

Resiliency - Fosters public preparedness and responds when families and communities face health and safety emergencies.

Innovation - Takes informed risks to deliver services more effectively and learns from successes and failures.

Knowledge – Knowledge of county policies, procedures, and labor contracts. 

Knowledge of the principles, legal framework, practices, and techniques of watershed planning and administration, public involvement processes, organizational systems, engineering, soils, watershed science, and natural resource plans related to urban and rural land use environments. 

Knowledge of best management practices for storm water management and erosion and sediment control. 

Knowledge of data analysis, statistics, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and other specialized software applications for watershed and natural resource management.

Knowledge of the controlling laws, rules, and regulations related to watersheds and natural resource management. 

Knowledge of generally accepted accounting practices, ability to prepare a budget and establish appropriate fees for services and licenses to cover costs, use digital spread sheet programs such as Microsoft Excel, and prepare graphs and charts. 

Knowledge of geology and hydrology as they relate to ground water. 

Knowledge of chemistry and microbiology necessary to identify and solve water contamination problems. 

Abilities – Ability to establish and maintain effective supervisory and working relationships with a multi-disciplinary staff.

 Ability to establish and maintain excellent cooperative working relationships with the public, county agencies, other governmental agencies, and the community in general related to watershed management and natural resources 

Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.

 Ability to develop work plans, organize work activities effectively and prioritize tasks in a fast-growing county with high demands for information and response to issues. 

Ability to write grant requests and maintain annual grant reporting requirements. 

Ability to conduct effective inspection programs with an attitude of impartiality and personal responsibility. 

Ability to interpret, explain, and apply regulatory provisions with firmness, tact, and courtesy. 

Ability to use digital graphics, prepare digital presentations, write reports, articles, position papers, plans using current software and develop recommendations.

Ability to communicate via verbal, electronic, and written methods, including web-based technical information management, also one-to-one and multifaceted group communications.

 Ability to analyze and synthesize electronic modeling and mapping data for program development. 

Ability to manage conflict between competing interests for natural resources in a public arena. 

Ability to provide effective leadership, promote teamwork, supervise, and motivate staff.  Ability to speak, present, and interact in public arenas with composure, professionalism, and discretion. 

Ability to use MS Office software for the performance of essential duties. 

Ability to use appropriate discretion in dealing with matters of a confidential nature.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Typical characteristics of the regular, ongoing work environment of this position requires inside work, typically in an office setting and field work. One may be exposed to site hazards such as moving equipment; dust; bugs or animals; noxious plants; climate/weather conditions such as wind, heat cold; and treacherous surfaces when traversing uneven terrain on such sites.

Physical activities include light to medium work: Sitting, talking, hearing, seeing, driving, standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crawling, pushing, pulling, feeling, reaching, lifting, grasping, twisting above the waist, bending at waist, repetitive hand and arm motion, and fine finger manipulation in the use of a computer. Incumbent will exert force to maneuver items in work settings and lifts and/or navigate up to 35 pounds on a routine basis and up to 50 pounds on occasion in handling equipment or maneuvering objects necessary for performing the essential duties of the job.

SELECTION PROCESS

Selection for this position will be based on a minimum qualifications screening and rating of training and experience. Top candidates will be forwarded to hiring manager or supervisor for consideration for interview and/or additional assessments. Final selection will include a background check and approval by the County Board.