Senior Planner - Water Resources

Job Summary

Performs a variety of professional planning duties and advanced technical duties in the water resources field with emphasis on water quality monitoring and program management. Coordinates the monitoring, AIS, planning, and education programs. Under the direction of the Water Resources Supervisor, oversees the development and implementation of county, Scott Watershed Management Organization (WMO), and Vermillion River Watershed JPO programs and projects related to water resources, and provides work assignments and guidance to technical and support staff.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Directs, implements, and coordinates the preparation, implementation, and operation of plans, programs, and activities for development of the county, Scott WMO, and Vermillion River Watershed JPO focusing on water resources.

• Coordinates and leads the operation of the SWMO planning program which includes:

• Researches, prepares, and reviews presentations, reports and studies, including annual reports required by statute.

• Preparation or amendment of plans and programs for physical development of the county and Scott WMO focusing on water resources.

• Reviews local water plans and official controls for compliance with MN Statute, MN Rule and Scott WMO Plan and Standards. Submits official comments, and participates on technical panels or committees.

• Coordinates and leads the operation of the SWMO monitoring program which includes:

• Serves as the technical expert on lake management issues.

• Managing monitoring activities implemented by the SWCD.

• Performs lake monitoring and water quality surveys, collecting field data, performing data analysis, producing maps and technical reports.

• Develops and maintains strong positive relationships/partnerships with Lake Improvement Districts and Associations.

• Coordinates volunteer monitoring and education programs

• Coordinates and leads the operation of the SWMO education program which includes:

• Prepares educational information for the public related to activities of the program area; makes presentations as required.

• Coordinating the Scott Clean Water Education Partnership

• Coordinates and leads the SWMO/NR AIS program which includes:

• Serves as the county technical expert on AIS issues.

• Provides leadership and coordination of the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program for Scott County including updating the county-wide plan, creating an annual budget, budget tracking, communicating with agency partners, implementing strategies and producing an annual report the to the DNR.

• Leads the county watercraft inspection program.

• Manages assigned grants under primary program areas on time and on budget. Includes grant writing, administration, partner/stakeholder coordination, project management, reporting, and identifying potential grants that will achieve or improve county/SWMO goals and priorities.

• Coordinates, negotiates, establishes, and maintains contracts and agreements for assigned program areas.

Other essential duties

• Provides information and assistance to co-workers, cities, townships, public agencies, and private entities via phone, computer technology, website, meetings, written interpretations, and at the customer service counter on water resources and other natural resource issues.

• Assists in preparation of annual budget for Scott WMO, VRWJPO, and/or Natural Resources activities.

• Oversees budgets for assigned programs or activities. Makes budget recommendations and ensure activities remain on budget.

• Oversees assigned water management projects; trains and updates staff and stakeholders, prepares correspondence, and manages consultants or contracts related to the project. 

• Assists in the development and implementation of new projects, programs, or studies. 

• Acts as county/Scott WMO representative or liaison for functional planning activities, Vermillion River Watershed JPO, lake associations, and other assigned groups; assists in presentations and updates to the Watershed Planning Commission. 

• Coordinates and/or investigates complaints related to WMO regulations and seeks resolution of problems through Watershed Planning Commission and WMO Board. 

• Must work 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 related duties as required or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Requires the equivalency of a bachelor's degree in water resources management, or a related field, with four years of experience in planning and program development or project management related to water resource management or a related field. At least 2 years professional experience and additional training in ArcGIS applications, skill in data analysis/statistics, and/or water monitor procedures required. Must be able to know how or learn to tow, launch, and operate motorized and non-motorized watercraft. The incumbent shall possess a valid driver's license and provide a reliable means of transportation for the performance of work responsibilities.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The employee is under the general direction of the Water Resources Supervisor who makes work assignments and outlines general procedures and policies to be followed.  Additional controls are imposed through the application of provisions found in federal and state laws, industry standard and peer reviewed scientific guidance, Comprehensive Water Resource Plan and ordinances covering water resources, planning and zoning and land development activities. Work is reviewed through written reports, public presentations, conferences, and results achieved.

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 in the principles, practices, and techniques of water and natural resources planning and the planning process.

Knowledge of water quality monitoring and field data collection practices.

Knowledge of watershed planning related to urban and rural land use practices and standards.

Knowledge of stormwater management and Best Management Practices.

Knowledge of water science disciplines: limnology, biology, and hydrology.

Knowledge of GIS capabilities and output.

Abilities – Ability to conduct data analysis, statistics, and computer applications related to water and natural resources planning.

Ability to launch and operate a motorized watercraft.

Ability to operate a non-motorized watercraft.

Ability to operate a GPS.

Ability to manage and balance many and varied projects simultaneously.

Ability to effectively organize and prioritize daily work and work plans in a timely manner.

Ability to perform both short and long range planning.

Ability to read, write, and understand complex technical reports and make use of the information they contain.

Ability to analyze watershed modeling and mapping data.

Ability to direct the work of others.

Ability to work successfully with considerable independence.

Ability to work or as a member of a project team.

Ability to exercise initiative, imagination, and problem-solving capability for natural resources planning programs and processes.

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 field work, typically in a watershed/natural resource oriented setting; and inside work, typically in an office setting. 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 in handling files and equipment 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.