Research & Monitoring Technician (Apply)

R&M - Technician.pdf

R&M Tech flyer.pdf

Salary range: $50,077 - $70,018 depending upon qualifications

The research and monitoring program’s purpose is to assess the ecological and water quality conditions of lakes, streams, and wetlands within the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). The role of the Research and Monitoring Technician is to assist in the implementation of the District’s monitoring plan, by leading field data collection, processing, distribution of hydrologic, water quality and biological data. This position will support multidisciplinary teams within MCWD and with partner agencies by providing high quality ecological datasets, developing compelling data driven stories, and identifying projects to support MCWD’s vision, mission, and goals.   

WHY CHOOSE MINNEHAHA CREEK WATERSHED DISTRICT?

MCWD is a local unit of government responsible for managing and protecting the water resources within the 178 square miles that drain into the Minnehaha Creek and ultimately the Mississippi River. Over the past 50 years, the MCWD has implemented over 70 projects, conserved and restored over 700 acres of land, and implemented countless partnerships in an effort to protect some of our state’s most iconic resources. MCWD believes that clean water and a healthy natural environment are essential ingredients in creating vibrant, sustainable communities. The lakes, streams, wetlands, and green space that make up the MCWD landscape create a sense of place that provides a local identity, adds economic value and increases wellbeing. This belief is core to our mission of working with public and private partners to protect and improve land and water for generations to come. MCWD is looking forward to the next decade as we continue to implement our vision through our newly adopted Watershed Management Plan. With its driven staff, strong Board of Managers, and growing partnerships, MCWD is poised for continued success.

MCWD has an annual budget of $15 million and employs a dedicated professional staff of 26 who work on natural resource planning, project development, land conservation, land use policy, water quality monitoring, permitting, education and communication.

MCWD offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative work environment. We believe in a culture that supports staff coordination, innovation and execution, with the purpose of improving the MCWD’s delivery of service to its constituents.

Our benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays

• 10 paid vacation days

• Accrual of 9 sick days per year

• PERA retirement plan

• Paid life insurance

• Short and long term disability insurance

• Full health and dental plans

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree with coursework in environmental science, hydrology, aquatic biology, geology, ecology, or related field and 1 year of experience in hydrology, water quality, limnology and biological field work, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

The successful candidate must also demonstrate:

• Knowledge of water quality monitoring equipment including automated samplers, water quality sondes, GPS devices, and other sampling equipment

• Experience with biological field methodologies for fish, aquatic vegetation, and macroinvertebrates

• Ability to complete basic data management activities including data entry, documentation, and basic spreadsheet analyses

• Innovative mindset with an ability to adapt and adjust in a fast paced, team-oriented environment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working in a collaborative team environment to identify and implement field data collection methodologies to answer management related questions

• Familiar with remote sensing applications using wireless telemetry such as remote water level sensing, remote fish monitoring, or remote water quality monitoring

• Ability to develop automated processes using industry standard computer software such as R, Python, or ESRI products

• Experience using relational databases to manage large datasets for water quality, hydrologic, or biological datasets

APPLICATIONS DUE OCTOBER 29, 2020

Apply by sending a completed application form, resume, and cover letter to admin@minnehahacreek.org