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Zebra mussels confirmed in Grant County’s Elk Lake
September 28, 2017, DNR
The Department of Natural Resources has confirmed zebra mussels in Elk Lake, in west-central Minnesota’s Grant County. Maintenance staff with the city of Hoffman contacted the DNR when they found suspected zebra mussels on cement blocks anchoring buoys near a public beach. DNR staff confirmed juvenile zebra mussels scattered about a quarter mile from the initial report location. Water from Elk Lake flows north toward Spring Lake, but the outlet is currently dry. As a connected water, Spring Lake and other connected lakes may also be added to the infested waters list.
For more information click (here).
DNR to appeal White Bear Lake ruling
September 26, 2017, DNR
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources today announced it will appeal a Ramsey County District Court ruling regarding water management of White Bear Lake and its surrounding groundwater. Without appeal, the court’s ruling would place unnecessary burdens on more than 500,000 White Bear Lake area residents, and immediately halt important development within 5 miles of the lake – stalling road and utility improvements, business growth, and residential construction. The judge’s ruling – which is not rooted in the best available science – would not significantly help the lake reach the court’s desired water level, and would likely set a new statewide precedent imposing similar burdens and restrictions on residents, businesses, and communities across Minnesota.
For more information click (here)
Ducks scarce at Minnesota River hunting reunion
September 27, 2017, Lacrosse Tribune
More than four decades have passed since Willy Smith and I first hunted ducks in the Minnesota River bottoms not far from this west-central Minnesota town, population 510. Hereabouts, fire whistles still blow at noon, and in Sacred Heart itself, on the north side of Highway 212, breakfast is served all day at Kathy’s Place, with a smile. The water still looks like it did in the early 1970s. But save for the odd teal or wood duck, the birds just aren’t here anymore. Perhaps the water is too high, inhibiting growth of aquatic vegetation favored by ducks. Perhaps too many carp swim here. Or maybe the Minnesota and its backwaters are too awash with farm chemicals to support ducks.
Perhaps all of these and more.
For more information click (here).
City officials outline challenges awaiting Mankato-North Mankato area
September 29, 2017, Mankato Free Press
As federal and state support slips, Mankato and North Mankato will have to tackle more large-scale issues either on their own or with local collaboration. Mankato and North Mankato officials say they've been able to reduce debt over the past few years, but each city is concerned with mounting concerns on everything from affordable housing to transportation to child care to even water quality. The area's economic development plans are coming along nicely. Mankato plans to sell some of its old city assets to make room for more business opportunities while North Mankato is busy attracting more businesses to its new industrial park space on the northwest side of town. At the same time, the Mankato area sees growing pains throughout the community — people aren't paid well enough to afford existing housing, but those who have housing here (and even those living in nearby bedroom communities) need good transportation and day care opportunities so businesses can attract more professionals and keep the community growing. Each city also contends with growing environmental concerns, which will include water issues. Both North Mankato City Administrator John Harrenstein and Mankato City Manager Pat Hentges pointed out the rising cost of wastewater treatment and increasing treatment standards as ongoing water quality issues where the cities will likely shoulder more of the burden to fix.
For more information click (here)
Michael Sieve wins DNR pheasant habitat stamp contest
September 28 2017, DNR
Sieve is a first-time winner of the pheasant stamp contest and his painting will be featured on the 2018 pheasant habitat stamp. The pheasant stamp validation for hunting is $7.50 and is required for pheasant hunters ages 18 to 64. For an extra 75 cents, purchasers can receive the validation as well as the pictorial stamp in the mail. It also is sold as a collectible. Revenue from stamp sales is dedicated to pheasant habitat management and protection. Seven entries advanced as finalists and were selected Sept. 21 at DNR headquarters in St. Paul. Other finalists were Thomas Miller, second place; and Edward DuRose, third place. The DNR offers no prizes for the stamp contest winner, but the winning artist retains the right to reproduce the work. The 2018 pheasant stamp will be available for sale in March.
For more information click (here).
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Region gears up for 2018 transportation talks
By Trey Mewes, September 28, 2017 Mankato Free Press
If the Highway 14 Partnership has its way, a lot more funding could be flowing to regional road projects. That's a goal many transportation-related organizations share next year, even though the Legislature plans to concentrate more on policy issues during the 2018 session. Still, everyone from local lawmakers to transportation experts is gearing up for a continued debate over Minnesota's transportation needs. Locally, area officials are waiting to see whether recent changes to how projects are prioritized will affect funding for Highway 14's remaining two projects to turn it into a four-lane route from New Ulm to Rochester. (read more)
Minn., N.D. governors seek common ground on flood control
By Dan Gunderson, September 27, 2017
The governors of Minnesota and North Dakota are leading an effort salvage a flood control project for Fargo-Moorhead after a federal judge stopped construction of the $2.2 billion Red River diversion. Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat, and North Dakota GOP Gov. Doug Burgum have spoken twice since the court's ruling, and both issued statements saying they hope to resolve the dispute. Dayton said this week he wants to meet with people in Moorhead and Minnesotans who live upstream and downstream of the project before starting any technical discussion about a future project. (read more)
Wild rice waters a big reason Indian tribes oppose Enbridge pipeline project
By Mike Hughlett, September 30, 2017 Star Tribune
The Ojibwe say wild rice waters would be increasingly at risk if a pipeline planned by Calgary-based Enbridge comes to fruition. The company wants to replace its aging Line 3 with a new oil pipeline on a new route across northern Minnesota to its Superior, Wis., terminal. Nearly 3,400 acres of wild rice lakes would be within 10 miles downstream from Enbridge’s proposed route, according to a report by the Minnesota Department of Commerce. The new Line 3 would thread through notable ricing areas, including Aitkin County, home to the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge. (read more)
Minnesota once again leads the Midwest in annual energy efficiency ranking
By Frank Jossi, September 28, 2017
Minnesota is the only Midwest state ranked in the top 10 of the annual American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy’s State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. Last year Minnesota ranked 10th on the scorecard and was, once again, the only Midwest state to make the Top 10. The state’s largest city, Minneapolis, came in 11th among major American cities, joining Chicago (7th) as the only Midwest representatives in the top 15. The state rankings consider six general policy areas — state programs, building codes and compliance, combined heat and power (CHP) initiatives, utility energy efficiency programs, transportation and appliance standards. (read more)
DNR refuses to extend comment period for PolyMet dam permits
By The Associated Press, September 29, 2017
The Department of Natural Resources has rejected a request by environmentalists to extend the public comment period on the draft dam safety permits for the planned PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. The DNR said in a statement Friday that the 30-day comment period will close as scheduled Oct. 16. Five environmental groups told the DNR in their requests this month that 30 days wasn’t enough time for them or the public to submit adequate responses. They cited the importance of the permits to the project, the complexity of the issues involved, the thousands of pages of supporting documents and the potential safety risks. (read more)
New outdoor destination comes a long, long way in Chippewa County
By Tom Cherveny, October 2, 2017
Chippewa County hosted an open house to introduce people to the park it has developed on this site along the Minnesota River roughly halfway between Montevideo and Granite Falls. The 30-acre park comes complete with two camper cabins, two RV camping sites with water and electricity, rustic tent camping, two picnic shelters, playground equipment, wooded trails, a boat access with a dock, bathrooms, river frontage for fishing and lots of open space for events or outdoor activities. This park was nearly two decades in the making, and took shape in small steps through those years. (read more)
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DNR to drain Goose Lake near Waseca
Deanna B. Narveson, September 28, 2018 Mankato Free Press
The Department of Natural Resources will slowly be draining Goose Lake this fall to get rid of destructive fish species and foster new plant growth. The shallow 434-acre lake just east of Waseca is home to high numbers of common carp and bullheads, called rough fish, that harm other wildlife. They aren't native to Minnesota. "They root up the bottom plants, like pigs, they dredge down and they stir up sediment and nutrients," said DNR area wildlife supervisor Jeanine Vorland. "The most ecological means to get rid of them is with a winter kill; this is the way nature would do it." Vorland said the DNR will allow more water through the lake's dam than usual over the course of the fall to lower the water level so that over winter it can freeze all the way through. (read more)
No surprise: Deer numbers increasing
By Laurel Beager, September 30, 2017
The state assessment that the wolf population across Minnesota has increased goes along with the idea of a healthier deer herd. An improvement in the deer population was the aim of the DNR when it reacted by making changes to the allowable harvest during the last few hunting seasons. The deer population needed some help to increase after several years of severe winters drove down the population. The last three winters — two mild and one close to average — have allowed the population to start rebuilding, Petersen said. (read more)
Study: Rain and snow can transport chemicals to Minnesota's lakes, rivers
By Dan Gunderson, September 29, 2017
A new study offers an explanation to the mystery of why pharmaceuticals and other chemicals are found in remote Minnesota lakes, far from developed land that would create contaminated runoff. "These chemicals such as antibiotics, and anti-corrosives and endocrine active chemicals were being found in lakes where we might not expect them because there was no surrounding development," said Mark Ferrey, a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency scientist who, in search of an answer, collected snow, rain and air samples at three locations in the Twin Cities and had them tested for 126 chemicals. Ferrey found 17, including DEET, cocaine, antibiotics, an anti-corrosion chemical, an x-ray contrast chemical and the pain reliever naproxen. (read more)
Minnesota River 'strains under pressure,' study finds
By Forum News Service, October 2, 2017
The Minnesota River "strains under pressure from its geology, surrounding land use and changing climate," the state Pollution Control Agency reports after an extensive study. The MPCA reported on Monday, Oct. 2, that the river faces water quality issues from sediment that clouds the water, phosphorus that contributes to algae growth and nitrogen and bacteria that pose health risks. "Runoff and artificial drainage are the main ways that pollutants reach rivers from farmland," the MPCA reported. "They also increase flows in the rivers, causing problems like streambank erosion, a major source of sediment." The repot shows that the Minnesota River is the largest contributor of Mississippi River sediment and nutrient pollution. (read more)
New tool helps farmers stay in compliance with Buffer Law
By Kristin Goosen, September 28, 2017
The Nov. 1 deadline is quickly approaching for Minnesota farmers to commit to a plan to comply with the Minnesota Buffer Law. With the go-ahead from BWSR, the MCGA partnered up with a research team from the U of M in January to come up with a tool that helps keep farmers in compliance with the law, limit sediment and phosphorus runoff, and keep as much land usable as possible. A vegetative buffer can have a wide range of effects. In some places, it can reduce sediment and phosphorus loss by close to 100 percent, while in others it may only reduce it by 3 percent. (read more)
Minnesota bear harvest will be higher than anticipated
By Sam Cook, October 1, 2017
Despite reducing the number of permits available to bear hunters this fall, wildlife officials with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say the bear harvest will be higher than expected. That makes two years in a row, at a time when the DNR is trying to hold harvests down in order to increase the state's bear population. Currently, the state has an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 bears, said Dave Garshelis, leader of the DNR's bear project. (read more)
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Brief Description: The Deep Valley Book Festival connects writers with published authors and other experts in the field to share information, techniques, skills and resources.
Participants sell books or book-related materials, and hand out marketing and promotional items that support their books. The festival offers exhibitors the opportunity to reach book lovers ready to buy their products or learn about their services. In addition to books and authors, there will be panel discussions, music, children’s activities, an antique car show, food vendors and more. The Deep Valley Book Festival gets it’s name from the setting of the beloved children’s books (Betsy-Tacy) written by Mankato-born author Maud Hart Lovelace and is free and open to the public.
Visit http://www.mnheritage.com/BookFestival.html for more information.
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MFA: Controlling Invasive Forest Plants
Saturday, October 7, 2017
10:00am to 12:00pm
Location: Pinehurst Park, Cloquet, MN
Brief Description: Buckthorn and other plants are invading our forests. These plants can take over, degrading wildlife habitat, crowding out wildflowers, and preventing a new forest from growing. Learn how to control buckthorn and other plants via DIY or hired-out methods. Find out about planning and funding assistance.
We will visit 2 sites during this 2 hour class. Dress for outdoors and bring water.
Click here for more information.
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Wolves at our Door
Saturday, October 7, 2017  11:00 am-12:30 pm
Location: Wild River State Park
39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN
Brief Description: Join us for a special guest from the International Wolf Center to learn hooowllll-about wolves! Learn about wolf biology, predator/prey relationships, mythology, and more surrounding these amazing creatures. Meet in the Visitor Center, program starts promptly at 11 a.m.
Click here for more information.
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Brief Description: The days are getting shorter and the nights becoming longer. Temperature drops and people are putting on their thicker clothes. It is that time of the year again when leaves are showing their true colors as the green chlorophyll fades away. Join us and find out which species of plant have the most colorful leaves. Dress for the weather and meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. Free. No registration required, but a state park permit is required on each vehicle ($7/day pass or $35 annual pass. Available at park office upon entry to park).
Meet at Thomas C Savage Visitor Center (two miles from park entrance. Plan for an additional 10 minute drive through the park).
Click here for more information.
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Introduction to Tracking Workshop
October 14 to 15, 9 am-2 pm 
Location: Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Road, St Paul, MN
Brief Description: Whose tracks are these and why? Join experts from the Minnesota Wildlife Tracking Project for a two-day workshop at Fort Snelling State Park. This workshop is designed to introduce beginners to the art of animal tracking. Saturday will be spent learning fundamentals and Sunday will be practicing these skills. Dress for the weather and meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. Free. Registration required. To register call 612-725-2724 or email krista.jensen@state.mn.us
Click here for more information.
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Preparing for Winter: Animal Changes of Fall
October 15, 10 am-11:30 am 
Location: Glendalough State Park
25287 Whitetail Ln, Battle Lake, MN
Brief Description: What do you do in the winter? I bet you change your routines and activities based on the season or even the weather within the season. Animals are no different! Depending on the animal they practice different methods of survival. Some stay active, some get lazy, some migrate, and others sleep winter away. We will look at an animal or two from each method. We will also explore what it might be like if you were an animal and how you would survive through a couple of hands-on activities. Then the fun continues when we go in search of animals preparing for winter or their signs they have left behind in the park. So, come learn about how animals survive our winters during this interactive and hands-on program! Meet at the trail center, near the historic lodge.
A vehicle pass is required to enter the park and can be purchased at the park office. Daily/$6 or Annual/$30.
Click here for more information.
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Deer Management Plan Advisory Committee Meeting
October 18, 10 am-3:30 pm 
Location: Watab Town Hall, 660 75th St. NE, Rice, MN
Brief Description: This will be a working business meeting of the Deer Management Plan Advisory Committee (DMPAC). The DMPAC is a group of citizen volunteers and organizational representatives who will provide input and feedback as DNR develops its first-ever statewide Deer Management Plan.
Members of the public may attend to observe this meeting (note that limited seating will be available). Meeting agendas and notes will be posted on the Deer Plan webpage (www.mndnr.gov/DeerPlan).
To sign up to receive email updates about the Deer Plan and other deer-related information, visit the Deer Plan webpage (www.mndnr.gov/DeerPlan), and enter your email in the blue box on the page that says "Get Deer Notes".
Click here for more information.
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Birding for Beginners
October 21, 10 am-11 am
Location: Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Road, St Paul, MN 
Brief Description: Birding is an enjoyable and challenging hobby. Join the naturalist for a birding hike and learn about the basic techniques of bird identification. Dress for the weather and meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. Free. Registration required. To register call 612-725-2724.
A state park permit is required on each vehicle ($7/day pass or $35 annual pass. Available at park office upon entry to park).
Meet at Thomas C Savage Visitor Center (two miles from park entrance. Plan for an additional 10 minute drive through the park).
Click here for more information.
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Brief Description: Course details: Learn how to safely and effectively start a campfire then use it to cook and bake our lunch.
Cost: $5
Registration: Register @ 651-231-6968.
Click here for more information.
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Brief Description: Learn about local wildlife and meet live educational animals up close! All Ages. Cost: $2/member or $3/non-member Register online by October 19th! Reservations required.
Click here for more information.
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-Planning and Zoning Technician-
Employer: Martin County
Closing Date: October 6
Location(s): Fairmont Workforce Center
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
Reviews, approves, denies, refers, investigates, and implements applications or violations for septic, feedlots, land use, agricultural weed laws and buffers. Implements plans, policies and practices to carry out administration of regulations applicable to program areas.
Qualifications:
Graduation from high school plus a four year degree in Urban Studies, Planning, Environmental Science or related field, OR two years of related college level coursework and three years recent experience in related field. Certification in SSTS septic inspections, experience with feedlot inspections and buffers preferred. GIS experience beneficial. At least three years of recent related experience which provides the following skills and abilities: strong working knowledge of and operation of computers, computer data base, and other modern office software and equipment. Considerable working knowledge of the planning and zoning services and functions within County government to include program planning, administration and enforcement, considerable knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations relating to environmental services functions, ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, public, contractors, and all others this position may work with, in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale, including supervisors and individuals from other organizations. Must be able to work a variety of weather conditions and on all types of terrain and possess a valid Driver’s License.
(more information)
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-Senior Water Compliance Specialist-
Employer: Westwood Professional Services
Closing Date: Continuous
Location(s): Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
- Lead and coordinate with existing staff on storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) development, compliance, inspections and reporting.
- Perform support function for the Company on NPDES storm water permitting and communicate with environmental regulatory agencies for our clients.
- Perform site inspections for SWPPP compliance, standards, and provide corrective actions plans.
- Review and assist with the field coordination, and ensure all environmental regulatory policies and programs are followed.
- Periodic overnight travel to project job sites my be required.
Required Experience:
- Bachelor's Degree in fields related to environmental management or water resources.
- Strong relevant construction experience is preferred.
- Approximately 3 to 5 years of experience in environmental permitting, construction NPDES permitting, SWPPP writing, erosion control planning, water resource engineering or related experience.
- Ability to communicate with government agencies and authorities.
- Ability to communicate with developers and contractors and provide technical guidance for NPDES and SWPPP compliance
Learn more (here).
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-Engineer, Professional - Traffic Management Center-
Employer: Hennepin County
Closing Date: Continuous
Location(s): Medina
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Description: 
The Traffic Division of the Transportation Operations Department is seeking a Professional Engineer to join Minnesota's largest county public works program. The position will play a key role in supporting Hennepin County's Transportation Management Center and will directly influence existing and future traffic and safety operations.
Responsibilities:
- Support of the county's new Advanced Transportation Management System.
- Develop and implement optimized signal timing plans for coordinated signal systems.
- Validate and fine tune signal timing plans in the field.
- Coordinate with residents regarding traffic operations and safety concerns.
- Provide technical support on operations and safety projects.
- Serve on the county's internal plat and safety review committees.
- Maintain signal timing database.
- Obtain data used to develop coordinated or isolated signal timing plans.
- Review and recommend improvements to traffic design plans.
- Prepare and present signal timing studies and reports.
Learn more here.
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—Conservation Director—
Employer:Friends of the Mississippi River
Closing Date: October 6th, 2017
Location(s): St. Paul
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
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Serve as a key member of FMR’s senior management team.
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Provide leadership, direction, management and evaluation of all of FMR’s land conservation efforts and processes, including the development of the annual program budget and work plans.
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Inspire, lead, support and supervise FMR’s conservation team.
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Define and clearly articulate the goals of the land conservation program.
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Lead the implementation of the program’s multi-year strategic plan.
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Lead FMR’s landowner outreach efforts and foster good working relationships with landowners in FMR’s focus area to promote land protection and restoration.
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Serve as FMR’s lead staff on land protection projects.
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Work with the development director in proposal development and reporting for fundraising activities associated with the land conservation program.
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Take the lead in developing and providing program-specific details required for this fundraising.
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Manage the process for government grant writing, reporting and invoicing.
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Assist the stewardship director in the development and implementation of educational and stewardship activities related to the conservation program.
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Identify and combine all the elements essential to fostering new protection and restoration projects (identification, outreach, funding and partnership building).
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Identify and foster positive working relationships with other environmental organizations, agencies and community leaders to help attain program goals.
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Provide leadership and support to the land conservation committee of the board of directors.
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Make recommendations to the executive director and the land conservation committee regarding the use of the land protection fund.
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Collaborate with the communications manager to promote the activities of the conservation program.
(more information)
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—Professional Engineer (Water Resource)—
Employer: Scott County (MN)
Closing Date: Continuous
Location(s): Jordan, MN
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
- Performs concept level, preliminary, and final drainage design for highway construction projects and reviews and approves consultant drainage designs.
- Provides input related to the design of transportation projects for stormwater management, including land development effects on roadway drainage systems, hydraulic analysis and impacts associated with transportation projects, providing typical drawings and language for requests for proposals, and coordination with cities regarding their drainage systems and joint transportation systems.
- Provides oversight of the stormwater permits held by the County, such as the NPDES MS4 permit; coordinates activities between divisions for permit elements.
- Manages, conducts, and/or coordinates water engineering analysis of various projects, developments, processes, technical studies, reviews, and plans affecting the County's water systems and natural resources; makes recommendations for appropriate actions.
- Develops hydrologic and hydraulic engineering plans, policies, and guidelines, including updating the County Stormwater Plan and Ordinance (Local Water Plan) coordinated with the County Comprehensive Plan and Scott Watershed Management Organization (WMO) Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan.
- Oversees the inspection of work done by developers and County Highway engineers and outside agencies under permit in the County's unincorporated areas of the County.
- Manages the engineering review process and is responsible for the approval/denial of stormwater and grading permits within the unincorporated areas of the County.
- Provides engineering guidance and direction to others in implementing the county erosion control inspection program; provides coordination in enforcement actions required for permitted and unpermitted grading activities; coordinates with staff and officials in in other agencies in responding to wetland permitting issues.
- Handles citizen, developer, and engineer phone calls on development issues, and flooding, stormwater management and drainage issues; helps others resolve issues.
- 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 subordinates, 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.
(more information)
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—South Minnesota DNR Field Specialist—
Employer: Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa
Closing Date: October 13
Location(s): New Ulm and White Water State Park, MN
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
- Help coordinate field crews and assist on technical projects, which may include prescribed burning, invasive species management and restoration of native plant communities.
- Coordinate between project hosts, Regional Staff, DNR Staff and crews. Maintain equipment, conduct repairs and inventory.
- Provide educational, technical and safety training for district corps members.
- Ensure corps members are familiar with safety practices and precautions. Develop emergency response plans, conduct shop safety audits and safety site inspections
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(more information)
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—Restoration Field Technician—
Employer: Cardno
Closing Date: Continuous
Location(s): Minnesota
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
- Implementing restoration project work at the ground level under the direction of a Field Supervisor and/or Project Manager
- Native planting, seeding, erosion control installation, herbicide application, prescribed fire or any other activities necessary with field implementation of ecological restoration projects
- Accurate documentation of daily field activities and organization of materials
- Compliance with all company and client safety requirements
- Adherence to corporate policies, operate through the proper management channels, and act in the best interest of the company
- Ability to traverse wet and/or rugged terrain in diverse, sometimes inclement, weather conditions
- Experience in native and invasive species plant identification
- Experience operating basic hand tools and smaller equipment such as backpack sprayers, augers, chainsaws, and/or brushcutters
- Ability to work in a collaborative team environment
- Availability and willingness to travel overnight for multiple days per week, occasionally more than a week, and adaptable to schedule changes upon short notice
- Must be able to work in an environment where safety is at the forefront of all operations
- Technicians will be required to obtain Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License (Category 2.0, 5.0, and 6.0)
- Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Life Sciences (Ecology, Environmental Science, Botany, Biology, Fisheries, Forestry) - or equivalent experience
- Valid Driver's License with the ability to drive a company vehicle and an acceptable motor vehicle record
(more information)
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-Clean Energy Associate-
Employer: Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
Closing Date: October 31
Location(s): St. Paul
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
General Description:
The primary purpose of this position will be to assist Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) lawyers with their work in the area of Clean Energy and Climate. MCEA regularly intervenes in proceedings at the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission to encourage cost-effective and lower-carbon or carbon-free alternatives to meet Minnesota’s electricity needs. The Clean Energy Associate will work closely with MCEA’s legal team to provide technical and analytical support for this work. In addition, as appropriate, the Clean Energy Associate will assist with legislative advocacy, act as a liaison to outside consultants and expert witnesses, coordinate with law clerks, concerned citizens and other advocacy organizations, provide communications and media support, and conduct research and writing. The Clean Energy Associate will be supervised by and report to MCEA’s lead attorney for climate and energy.
Responsibilities:
1. Works with MCEA’s legal director and lead attorney for climate and energy to assist with MCEA’s Clean Energy and Climate program, including analyzing utility filings, researching and analyzing publicly available energy data, assisting with the drafting of comments and testimony, and representing MCEA at stakeholder meetings or in other venues as directed by MCEA’s legal staff.
2. In conjunction with the legal staff and communications staff, helps to implement appropriate media strategies for clean energy cases and advocacy projects.
3. In conjunction with lead climate and energy attorney, assists MCEA’s legislative and legal teams, as appropriate, with legislative and administrative advocacy as it relates to clean energy matters, including reviewing proposed legislation and rules, meeting with legislators and agency staff, and assisting with written and oral testimony.
4. Stays abreast of emerging trends in energy law and policy, technologies, and regulation.
5. Assists the Clean Energy and Climate staff as needed in communicating with funders.
6. Learns and abides by core professional requirements of work in a law office.
For more information click (here)
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-State Policy Community Organizer-
Employer: Land Stewardship Project
Closing Date: January 1st
Location(s): Minneapolis
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
General Description:
LSP is seeking to hire an experienced community organizer to help advance our work for stewardship of the land and a just farm and food system. The position will focus on mobilizing farmers, rural residents and others to build power and mount public pressure for stewardship and justice in Minnesota’s farm and food system through winning state policies that rein in corporate concentration in agriculture, and that support a sustainable, family farm-based food and agriculture system.
Responsibilities:
You will work as part of LSP’s Policy and Organizing Program as a community organizer on advancing campaigns and policy initiatives to win farm and food policy beneficial to the land, family farmers, and rural and urban communities. This position will focus on advancing policy goals at the state level. This work includes recruiting new LSP members with a focus on farmers and rural residents, and assist in grassroots fundraising and individual giving efforts.
For more information click (here)
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Compiled by:
Nhia Xiong, Bipin Thapa, Serena Miller, Abrielle Tembreull & Colin Winterrowd
Please direct all feedback, comments, and questions regarding this newsletter's content and design here.
Thank you!
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