Dakota County Apple Valley, MN Remote
2022-01-06

Environmental Resources Intern- Groundwater Protection

$15 - $17 an hour
4.2
JOB
POSTING TYPE: ExternalDEPARTMENT: Environmental Resources- Groundwater ProtectionHOURS: Full-Time TemporaryHIRING RANGE: $15.00 - 17.00/hourly depending on qualificationsLOCATION: Western Service Center, Apple ValleyUNION: NoneCLOSE DATE: This posting will remain open until all available positions will be filled. The initial review of applications will occur on January 21, 2022 This is a temporary (4-5-month), full-time (40 hours/week) spring/summer internship for a college student or recent college graduate interested in drinking water and groundwater protection. This internship position functions in a staff-level capacity as part of the Environmental Resources Department working in the field, at the Western Service Center, and working remotely. This temporary position could be a great opportunity for a current college student or recent graduate to explore their interest and gain work experience in the groundwater field. The intern will have opportunities to assist County staff in planning and coordinating “We Are Water MN” events; identifying properties that have a high likelihood of having an unused, unsealed well and promoting well seal grants through the utilization of GIS applications and the Dakota County water well database; conducting communication and outreach; identifying and mapping wastewater treatment plant land application sites (biosolids) throughout the County; and assisting with other unit and department process improvements. Additional learning opportunities will occur through engagement in additional Department activities, including groundwater and surface water sampling events; and potential participation at various events outside of normal work hours such as nitrate testing clinics, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days, and the Dakota County Fair. NOTE: Hiring manager requests applicants attach a cover letter and resume.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
  • 2 years of pertinent coursework towards the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in physical or biological sciences, geographic information systems, resource/waste management, environmental studies, environmental education/communication, environmental planning, engineering, or another closely related field;AND• Valid driver's licensePreferred Qualifications: • Direct experience, education, and/or training with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.1. Well Inventory: Identify properties that have a strong possibility of having an unused, unsealed well by reviewing historical data and municipal water connection information. Use GIS, the County's water well database, current and historic aerial photographs, and other information to identify neighborhoods to be targeted for the promotion of well seal grants.2. Prioritize Drinking Water Supply Management Areas (DWSMAs): Use the 'targeted" properties list to prioritize neighborhoods within municipal DWSMAs to target for well-sealing information and well-sealing cost-share grants.3. Biosolid Application Site Mapping: Coordinate with the Metropolitan Council and state agencies (MPCA) to obtain GIS files and application site data/records; identify and map existing biosolid application site information in Dakota County; establish a process for updating annual application site data using GIS applications and other reporting methods.4. We Are Water MN: Support planning of at least one event for the “We Are Water MN” project; coordinate meetings and events with internal and external partners and assist with public communication and outreach. 5. Additional Learning Opportunities: The intern will be provided additional learning opportunities from all areas of the Environmental Resources Department (ERD) as they arise.Essential Functions: 1 - 3

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
  • Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills• Mathematically competent and science literate• GIS experience or training• Strong interpersonal skills, outgoing with the ability to effectively interact with land owners and the general public is preferred• Fluency in modern office software programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)• Ability to: build and maintain relationships;demonstrate flexibility in work assignments;work both independently and with others;work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds;follow and develop processes;manage a project;take the initiative in work assignments, organize them, and complete them;work with large data sets and repetitive tasks for extended periods; and conduct research and organize information.WORK ENVIRONMENT: Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic this position will work remotely 90% and in the field 10% of the time, subject to change based on County Policy. Work is performed in County Office buildings and outdoors. Driving is required. Employee will sometimes be required to work in outside weather conditions, being exposed to cold and hot temperatures, precipitation, direct sunlight, wind, dust, and pollen. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Lifting requirement (team lift to 50 pounds), on an occasional basis. Types of equipment used include telephone, computer, printer, copier, fax, conventional and digital cameras; magnetometer or metal locator; and GPS devices.SELECTION PROCESS: The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to the hiring department for further consideration.Dakota County Employee Relationswww.co.dakota.mn.usMain Number 651.438.4435(contact 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday)