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2018 Impaired waters list: Success stories Surfacing for Minnesota Lakes, and Streams
October 11, 2017, Cathy Rofshus
As Minnesota continues its statewide checkup of waters and lists those failing to meet standards, some good examples of protective and restorative work are starting to surface. For the first time, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is proposing to remove an impairment listing for PCBs. Fish sampled in the Red River of the North now have PCB levels low enough to meet the standard for consumption, though some impairments like mercury remain. Additionally, the MPCA is proposing to remove nine water bodies from the list because of restorative actions to improve water quality:
- First Fulda Lake (Murray County) now has nutrient levels low enough to meet recreation standards.
- The Poplar River (Superior Hiking Trail Bridge to Lake Superior, in Cook County) is now clear enough to meet the standard for aquatic life such as fish.
- Bryant Lake (Hennepin County), Crystal Lake (Dakota County), Gem Lake (Ramsey County), McMahon Lake (Scott County), and Mitchell Lake (Hennepin County) now have nutrient levels low enough to meet recreation standards.
- Seven Mile Creek (Nicollet County) now has pesticide levels low enough to meet the standard for aquatic life such as fish.
- The Clearwater River from Judicial Ditch 1 to the Lost River (Red Lake County), and from Ruffy Brook to Judicial Ditch 1 (Clearwater County), now has oxygen levels high enough to meet the standard for aquatic life such as fish.
For more information click (here).
Minnesota has 2,669 Troubled Bodies of Water, Draft List Says
October 13, 2017, Kirsti Marohn
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is proposing to add more lakes and streams to the state's list of impaired waters. As the MPCA continues testing water bodies across the state, more are being added to the list due to water quality problems such as excess nutrients, mercury, salt and bacteria. Under the federal Clean Water Act, Minnesota must update its list of impaired waters every two years. About 40 percent of Minnesota's lakes, rivers and streams do not meet water quality standards. The draft 2018 list adds 618 new impairments on 362 lakes and streams. That brings the total list of impaired water bodies to 2,669 lakes and streams across the state. Many water bodies have more than one reason for being listed. MPCA said it's detecting more troubled waters because it's midway into a decade-long plan to study all 80 major watersheds in the state.
For more information click (here)
A Bit of Good News for Seven Mile Creek, but Many Problems Persist
October 11, 2017, Tom Krohn
There is a bit of good news for Seven Mile Creek.
The state is proposing to take it off a list that had shown its pesticide levels were too high. But the creek, between Mankato and St. Peter, remains on the state's list of impaired waterways because of its excess nitrates, sediment, fecal coliform and other pollutants. "A few of those are really going to be challenging to repair," said Susan Carlin, who leads the Seven Mile Creek Partnership. "The nitrates and sediments, those are the things we're spending our efforts and money on." She said they were a bit puzzled about why the creek had high levels of pesticide in the first place. One test showed pesticide was three times above the standard. "Since then tests showed it wasn't so high. So we're not sure if there was some spill or accident or if someone applied something wrong. It's a bit of a mystery," Carlin said. The partnership has been working to improve water quality in the watershed, which contains 24,000 acres of farmland. Nicollet County Soil and Water, Great River Greening, Gustavus and others have been working with area farmers to implement conservation practices to improve the creek, which is one of a few designated trout streams in south-central Minnesota.
For more information click (here).
Slight Gain in Minnesota Wetlands Acreage, but Quality is Concerning
October 12, 2017, DNR
Since Europeans began settling in Minnesota, about half of the state's wetlands have disappeared. But in recent years, the state has stopped the loss and actually gained a few acres, according to data released last month.
Wetland quality is another matter.
"From a strict acreage standpoint, Minnesota is holding steady and maybe even gaining small amounts of wetlands, but there's some concern with the type changes," said Steve Kloiber, wetland monitoring coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources . "Not all wetlands are the same, and they don't have the same functions." Between 2006 and 2014, Minnesota gained just barely more wetland acreage than it lost, according to the most recent data, published in September by the DNR. Perhaps the most visible function of wetlands is providing habitat for all sorts of animals, including birds, amphibians, insects, fish and more. Wetlands also refresh groundwater supplies, cleaning the water that flows through them. Most of the state’s 16,500 square miles of wetlands are in good shape, according to the latest available data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). But the good news is concentrated in the northern part of the state. Most of northern Minnesota, except the western edge, falls into an ecoregion known as "mixed wood shield" . That region contains about 75 percent of the remaining wetlands in the state. Wetlands that still exist in the other ecoregions are in significantly worse condition and are likely to be overrun with invasive plant species like aggressive cattails and reed canary grass.
For more information click (here)
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EPA Repeals Clean Power Plan, but Minnesota Moves Forward
By Matt Doll, October 13, 2017
This week, the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency announced the beginning of the repeal process for the Clean Power Plan, a major Obama Administration policy that aimed to cut carbon emissions from the U.S. power grid. The plan aimed for a 32% cut in power plant carbon dioxide emissions, relative to the 2005 levels, by 2032. It largely allowed states to achieve these mandated reductions in ways that worked for them – including investing in renewable energy and expanding efficiency-creating technologies. Because of legal challenges from certain states and opponents – including current EPA Director Scott Pruitt – the CPP never went into effect before it was repealed. The EPA will now begin the long process of collecting public input on the repeal. (read more)
Wet autumn tests farmers, delays harvest
By Elizabeth Dunbar, October 16, 2017
Some farm fields west of the Twin Cities are so wet you can't even get a combine into the fields to harvest the crop. Heavy October rains are not unusual in Minnesota. But what we don't know is whether the rains this month are part of a changing pattern fueled by a changing climate. Kenny Blumenfeld, a senior climatologist with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says the trend is toward heavier rains and an expanded season for heavy rains. (read more)
For clean-energy jobs, sky's the limit
By Mike Hughlett, October 16, 2017 Star Tribune
As wind and solar energy have grown, they've created a tide of jobs nationwide in fields from construction to manufacturing. Renewable energy jobs, most of which are in wind and solar, grew by 16 percent to around 6,200 in Minnesota from 2015 to 2016, according to a recent study by Clean Energy Economy Minnesota, an industry-led nonprofit. A wind building boom is expected to continue over the next five years. Solar should grow, too, even though its immediate future is clouded by threats of heavy U.S. tariffs on solar equipment imports, which would ratchet up the industry’s costs.The growth of wind and solar — along with a huge build-out of natural gas-fired power plants — is also eliminating jobs in some traditional energy sectors. (read more)
Speakers talk conservation, name Luverne as 2018 opener host
By Deb Gau, October 16, 2017
There were many special guests at the Governor’s Pheasant Opener, but the focus of the celebrations at a Friday night banquet was on the hunt, and the importance of conservation for keeping Minnesota’s pheasant population healthy. In an address to the banquet crowd, John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota Tourism, said it was appropriate to talk about the environment at the pheasant opener. “When I talk about why people travel to the state of Minnesota . . . they travel here because of our natural resources,” Edman said. “They travel here because of our lakes and our rivers, our forests and our prairies.” Those natural resources serve as habitat for wildlife, and in turn support hunting and the economies of Minnesota communities, he said. “We all care about this environment that we have in the state of Minnesota”. (read more)
Tribal Leaders, Environmental Groups Urge Lawmakers To Drop Mining Bill
By Chuck Quirmbach, October 13, 2017
Another Wisconsin tribal leader is speaking against a pro-mining bill that's moving through the Legislature. The measure would remove a 20-year-old requirement that owners of a proposed sulfide mine have to prove similar mines elsewhere haven't caused problems before the state Department of Natural Resources could grant a permit. The current law is sometimes referred to as a "mining moratorium." Menominee Nation Chairman Gary Besaw told a hearing held Friday by the Assembly Labor Committee that even financial amendments to the bill recently approved by a state Senate committee don't ease his concerns. (read more)
Grant awarded to enhance Lake Wakanda water quality in Kandiyohi County
By Anne Polta, October 16, 2017
A recently awarded state grant will help accomplish a longtime Kandiyohi County goal: enhancing the water quality of Lake Wakanda. The County Board of Commissioners recently signed an agreement for a $921,000 one-time grant from the Minnesota Outdoor Heritage Fund to implement the project, which will improve Lake Wakanda as well as enhance the entire watershed. The shallow prairie lake, located three miles southeast of Willmar, is part of what's known as the chain of lakes that also includes Big and Little Kandiyohi Lakes, Kasota, Lake Lillian, Minnetaga and Swan lakes. Together they form the headwaters of the South Fork Crow River. (read more)
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Intense study of deer disease set to start
Tribune Content Agency, October 15, 2017
The Chronic Wasting Disease research project by the Department of Natural Resources is being launched with $350,000 in emergency funding to help stop the largest-ever CWD outbreak in Minnesota’s wild deer population. Starting this week, the DNR will be seeking cooperation from private landowners to carry out the work on hilly, forested land that rings Fillmore County’s 371-square-mile CWD management zone. (read more)
Save the eagles--Go lead free: Fish & Wildlife Service is urging deer hunters to use non-toxic ammo
By Vicki Gerdes, October 15, 2017
Because of its toxicity, the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting has been illegal in Minnesota since 1987 and nationally since 1991. Additionally, all types of hunting with lead fine shot on Federal Waterfowl Production Areas has been illegal in Minnesota since 1999. Yet many deer hunters still use copper-jacketed lead bullets, or some other form of ammunition containing high quantities of lead — and it's causing a problem for Minnesota's bald eagle population. (read more)
Is it needed? A look at Line 3, the law and the PUC's impending decision
By Brooks Johnson, October 14, 2017
The fate of the pipeline across northern Minnesota does not depend solely on how many jobs it may create versus how much damage it may do to the environment, as the debate is often framed. Instead the state Public Utilities Commission has to weigh the adequacy and reliability of energy supplies, decide which forecasts to trust and — if it is to approve the project — be convinced there's no better alternative. The Minnesota Department of Commerce has joined environmentalists, Native American tribes and others in opposing the pipeline via testimony that could weigh heavily on the PUC's decision. (read more)
Mining the BWCA a misuse of precious resource
By Julie Hiemenz, October 14, 2017
Placing a sulfide mining operation (Polymet or Twin Metals ) near the Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) seems the height of folly. The process involved in separating sulfide from nickel or copper in mining releases sulfuric acid (basically battery acid) as a toxin and pollutes the air, land and water it comes in contact with for over 500 years. To date, there has never been a sulfide mine that has not polluted nearby water resources which adds to the 99% of unavailable water we are already fighting over. (read more)
Clean water vs. farm profits at heart of debate over new fertilizer rules
By Josephine Marcotty, October 10, 2017 Star Tribune
Minnesota is poised to roll out its first-ever strategy to protect drinking water from the farm fertilizers that carry nitrates — one of Minnesota's worst pollution problems. The contradiction between supporting farmers and protecting water may be inevitable in a state where agriculture contributes $19 billion annually to the economy. Every year, farmers plant 16 million acres with corn and soybeans, using close to 800,000 tons of fertilizer. State officials acknowledge that some of it is still going to leach into water even if farmers follow the Agriculture Department's new rules and all the best guidance to prevent it. (read more)
Lake Superior is near record high and threatening shoreline
By Pam Louwagie, October 11, 2017 Star Tribune
With Lake Superior just 2 inches short last month of its record high water level, it wasn’t the first chunk of Jensen’s shoreline to erode recently. And if the gales of November come early, before the water level has a chance to go down as it typically does this time of year, the devastation could be widespread. Already, the high lake level is sinking fixed docks and causing problems as water seeps into homes on Duluth’s saturated sandy spit known as Park Point. It’s a big change from a decade ago, when water levels sat at a record low; the lake is now 31 inches higher than it was in August and September of 2007. (read more)
Slight gain in Minnesota wetlands acreage, but quality is concerning
By Micah Emmel-Duke, October 12, 2017 Star Tribune
Between 2006 and 2014, Minnesota gained just barely more wetland acreage than it lost, according to the most recent data, published in September by the DNR. Perhaps the most visible function of wetlands is providing habitat for all sorts of animals, including birds, amphibians, insects, fish and more. Wetlands also refresh groundwater supplies, cleaning the water that flows through them. If wetlands aren't drained, filled or paved over, they can even act like giant sponges scattered across the land, sucking up extra water during heavy rains and reducing flood peaks. (read more)
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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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Brief Description: Giant cottonwoods and tall silver maple trees dominate the park trails. Join a park naturalist for a walk in the woods as we investigate their history in this part of the Mississippi and Minnesota river valleys. Dress for the weather and meet at the Visitor Center. No registration required.
Free, 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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Brief Description: Join a naturalist guide for a walk under the full moon. Explore different topics including nocturnal wildlife, animal adaptations, and of course the moon! If the sky is clear, peer through a spotting scope to view the moon up close. Ages: 5+. Youth under the age of 10 must attend with a registered adult. Cost: $3/member or $5/non-member $9/member family of 3+ or $15/non-member family of 3+ Register online by November 1st! Reservations required.
Click here for more information.
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Bison Talk
November 4, 10:30 am-11:30 am 
Location: Minneopa State Park
Mankato, MN
Brief Description: Celebrate National Bison Day by coming out to Minneopa State Park for a talk about North America's largest mammal. The Minneopa Area Naturalist will tell the story of how this noble animal barely survived becoming extinct and the effort to save it. Minneopa State Park currently has fifteen bison and part of the Minnesota Bison Conservation Herd, an effort by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in partnership with the MN Zoo to help preserve the genetics of the American Plains bison. Meet at the Group Campground on the campground side of Minneopa State Park just off of Highway 68. Wear clothing and shoes appropriate for outdoor hiking.
Click here for more information.
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Brief Description: In November of each year, AgriGrowth holds its Annual Meeting and Conference. Attendees include leaders from across the spectrum of Minnesota’s diverse food and agricultural sector, state and federal government officials, and academia.
Described by many as the premier event for Minnesota’s food systems and ag industry, the Annual Meeting and Conference provides unparalleled networking, and expert level speakers talking about relevant topics and trends. The conference kicks off Wednesday evening with a pre-conference reception, allowing members and guests to get a head-start on networking. In addition to relevant content and networking, the recipient of AgriGrowth’s Distinguished Service Award is announced during Thursday’s luncheon and attendees wrap-up the conference at a post-conference reception.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Knots to Live By Class for Women
November 11, 9:30 am-11 am 
Location: Afton State Park
Hastings, MN
Brief Description: Which knot is used to tie up a tarp and how is it tied? Knowing how to tie a few basic knots make a big difference in situations life throws at us. Learn to tie some basic and useful knots as we drink warm cider by the fireplace. You will be able to bring home a survival bracelet.
Register at 651-231-6968, Linda.Radimecky@state.mn.us.
Click here for more information.
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Brief Description: Meet the men who built Sibley State Park in the 1930's. Veterans of WWI, victims of the great depression, and suffering losses from the Dust Bowl, these men came together to build by hand the structures of log and stone you see at the park, serving their county again as members of the Veterans Conservation Corps program.
Meet by the stone water tower by the Lake Andrew Campground bathhouse. In inclement weather the program will take place inside the Trail Center as a PowerPoint presentation.
Click here for more information.
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-Research Associate-
Employer: University of Minnesota
Closing Date: June 30, 2017
Location(s): University Minnesota Twin Cities
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
Oversee research program of grant-funded project for faculty principal investigator (PI). Duties vary according to the needs of the PI. Positions available may be in areas of soil, water, and atmospheric research; soil physical management and conservation of soil and water resources; management of agricultural chemicals and pollutants for water quality maintenance and crop production; plant nutrient management for crop production and environmental protection; systems management of the agroecoenvironment; precision agriculture; and related soil, water, and climatological research.
About the Department:
The mission of the Department of Soil, Water, and Climate is to advance the understanding of Earth system processes and the interaction among land, atmosphere, and water. Through research, teaching, and extension we seek to:
- improve and protect the quality of soil, air, and water resources in natural and managed ecosystems;
- enhance agricultural and forest productivity and sustainability;
- predict and mitigate impacts of environmental and climate change on ecosystems and society; and
- provide science based knowledge for improved decision making and a better informed citizenry.
(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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—Environmental Permitting and Compliance Specialist—
Employer: Leading Management and Consulting Company
Closing Date: Continuous
Location(s): Minneapolis MN
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Job Description:
Leading Management Consulting Company is seeking an environmental management consulting and compliance specialist in our Minneapolis, MN office to assist with environmental impact assessment and regulatory compliance for energy facilities, energy-related development projects, and/or mining projects across North America. This position will focus on natural gas pipeline projects, midstream oil and gas projects, electric transmission lines, and mining projects. Projects are often fast-paced, multi-faceted, and geographically diverse - allowing a talented person to gain valuable task management skills and broad exposure to federal, state and local, air, water, waste, and National Environmental Policy Act regulations. The position will require a candidate to work both independently and on project teams. The position requires the capacity to manage varying priorities and multiple tasks in order to work on multiple projects concurrently and meet deliverable deadlines. Balancing field work with office deliverable responsibilities will be managed with input from the team/project manager. The successful candidate must have strong technical writing skills and good communication skills.
Qualifications:
- Education or experience in one of the following fields or similar: environmental science, biology, environmental impact assessment, geology, hydrogeology, land use planning, or soils.
- Experience working with or knowledge of natural resource management agencies.
- Demonstrated interest in understanding and evaluating environmental impact associated with energy development and construction projects; or in understanding and interpreting environmental rules and regulations to help clients meet or exceed their compliance goals.
- An eye for detail in reviewing and writing technical documents.
- Experience in providing high-quality customer service
- Field or consulting experience.
- Applied and working knowledge of ArcGIS and CAD software.
(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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—Water-Heavy Civil Project Manager—
Employer: Black & Veatch
Closing Date: Continuous
Location(s): Bloomington MN
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Primary Purpose:
Lead and expand Company’s linear water and wastewater Infrastructure Systems Business Line primarily in the greater Minneapolis area and large metro areas in the upper Midwest.
Primary responsibilities:
Include expanding Company’s practice and client relationships related to linear infrastructure systems consisting of tunnels, large diameter pipelines, pump stations, intakes and outtakes, trenched and trenchless excavations and micro-tunneling. Lead and manage such infrastructure systems business development and proposals efforts and guide project teams in the execution of such projects in the region.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
Identifies and leads local and regional pursuit, proposal and technical teams for Infrastructure Systems with support from the Company Heavy Civil Team and Regional Client Directors
Prepares design criteria and basis of design for engineering assignments. This includes basic analysis, design criteria and calculations, materials and equipment research, sketches, etc., required to prepare construction documents, specifications, drawings and geotechnical data and baseline reports to meet project requirements
Develops preliminary layouts and other plans, prepares design sketches and details for drafting and incorporation into design criteria
Develops alternate methods, techniques, innovations, or design concepts as required to resolve unique design problems
Coordinates, as assigned, design with other personnel working on the same project to minimize design and constructability conflicts
Supervises the engineering work of assigned drafters, designers, and subordinate engineers. This includes work assignments, scheduling and review.
Preferred Job Qualifications:
- Registered PE in MN
- Experience Minimum of 7 years of experience performing engineering related duties.
- Desired experiences and attributes include
- Knowledge of marketplace cited above and experience in capturing and delivering such projects
- Management and engineering experience in planning, design and rehabilitation, and construction of large diameter pipelines and tunnels in urban environment, preferably including major crossings of rivers, highways, and railroads
- An understanding and appreciation for local and regional geology and geotechnical conditions related to such pipelines and tunnels
- Supervisory experience working with multi-discipline engineering staff on projects of medium to high complexity
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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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-Watershed District Administrator-
Employer: Yellow Medicine River Watershed District
Closing Date: November 8, 2017
Location(s): Minneota, MN
Who May Apply: All qualified job seekers
Responsibilities:
• Manages all operations of the district under the direction of the Board of Managers
• Administers and coordinates implementation of the Yellow Medicine One Watershed One Plan among ten local partners including the watershed district, four counties, four soil and water conservation districts, and one joint powers board
• Administers the district’s regulatory program, largely focused on the permitting of private agricultural drainage systems
• Administers all drainage authority responsibilities as defined under MN Statute 103E, including the inspection and maintenance of nine public drainage systems
• Oversees employees, including contract employees through shared service agreements
Required Experience:
• Bachelor's Degree in fields related to environmental management, water resources
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience, preferably in drainage and permitting activities
Hiring Salary Range: $50,000 and up, depending on qualifications and experience
Benefits: PERA (Retirement), paid time off, and health insurance
Application Procedures: Submit a cover letter and resume to admin@ymrwd.org Yellow Medicine River Watershed District Tim Buysse, President 122 N Jefferson St, PO Box 267 Minneota MN 56264
Questions: Contact Emily Javens at 507-872-6720 or 320-979-0084
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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