Water Resources Intern
Position Profile
Status: Part-time/Temporary/Seasonal (PTS) position, non-exempt
Salary: Starts at $15.00 per hour (Depending on Qualifications)
Location: City Center
Duration of Assignment: Position begins in May with two to five days per week (start date negotiable depending on school schedule). Beginning in June, incumbent will transition to 30 to 40 hours per week for the summer season, depending on workload and weather conditions.
Hours: Typically, between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Occasional evening, weekend and holiday hours will be required.
Reporting Relationship: Reports to Water Resources Coordinator
Public Works Department
The Public Works Department is comprised of Engineering, the Water Treatment Plant, Utility Field Operations, Street Maintenance and Fleet Services. The department is responsible for management, design, construction, and maintenance of the street, water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure systems in the community.
Position Details
The Water Resources Intern’s role is to support Engineering in the education, monitoring, inventory, and enforcement of issues surrounding environmental impact in the City of Eden Prairie. The Intern is primarily responsible for the following:
- Assist in updating the City’s stormwater system inventory by conducting field assessments and documenting and mapping water bodies and stormwater system infrastructure. This would include stormwater ponds, infiltration basins, wetlands, creeks, inlets and outlets. Review of construction profiles, as-built surveys and grading plans will be required. May include time in waders or in a boat. Data collected will be put into Microsoft Access databases and/or ArcGIS.
- Assist with construction site inspections to monitor progress, document findings, and ensure conformance to engineering plans and construction standards.
- Assist in maintaining the City's online database, PermiTrack, by entering data collected during construction inspections and other NPDES Permit activities.
- Coordinate the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP) during the summer. This will include attending training in May and June; assisting WHEP volunteers with collecting and identifying invertebrate and vegetation samples from local wetlands; and scheduling and supervising laboratory analysis at the City’s Environmental Learning Center. This will include occasional evening and weekend hours.
- Assist in managing the AIS watercraft inspection program for local lakes during the summer. This will include meeting with the watercraft inspectors weekly or as needed, evaluating the data collected, assisting with inspections and entering data on inspection results for submittal to the Dept. of Natural Resources. Work hours will include occasional holidays, weekends and evenings.
- Attend a Level 1 training session for watercraft inspectors provided by the Dept. of Natural Resources (anticipated mid to late May). Level 2 training will be required, depending on availability.
- Monitor the watercraft cleaning (CD3) station at the Lake Riley boat landing. This would include inspecting the equipment regularly for damage as well as interviewing watercraft users about the performance of the station and suggestions they may have for improvements.
- Review the City's Facility Inventory and assist with updating site conditions and stormwater treatment options that are present at each facility.
- Assist in evaluations of conservation easement areas, wetland buffers, shoreland buffers and wetland mitigation sites for compliance with City policies and ordinances.
- General administrative duties such as providing customer service support or answering telephones.
While these areas are the primary focus, we believe strongly in teamwork and employees will be called upon to perform a variety of duties as a part of their role with the City.
Position Requirements
Education: High school degree required; must be pursuing or have recently completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field such as engineering, biology, water resources or environmental science.
Work Experience: Previous internship or work experience required. Must have experience working independently with minimal supervision in a busy environment.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Experience with AutoCAD and/or ArcGIS preferred. A valid Minnesota Class D Driver’s License is required for this position.
Physical Requirements: Must be able to work outside in various weather conditions, and negotiate through rough terrain, and have the ability to repeatedly lift sampling equipment and supplies (approximately 20 to 30 lbs.).
City Expectations
All employees are expected to contribute to the success of our organization by demonstrating the shared values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, Performance, Relationships.
Position Specific Expectations
Communication: Able to convey a message to get a point across; communicates in a clear and concise manner; able to write clearly and succinctly; tailors message to a variety of communication settings and styles.
Attention to Detail: Able to find errors in work and solve problems; anticipates issues and performs at a high level of accuracy; sets up systems to ensure errors are not repeated.
Accountability: Follows through on commitments; focuses on appropriate tasks throughout the shift; takes responsibilities for actions both as an individual and on behalf of the organization; actions and words are in sync; follows all policies and procedures; maintains confidentiality; is prepared and punctual to all scheduled shifts.
Problem Solving: Uses judgment to solve difficult problems in a timely manner; compares possible options; uses reasoning to explain necessary next steps; looks beyond the obvious; challenges the first answer and seeks alternatives; probes several resources to obtain relevant information.
Pre-employment Process
The City of Eden Prairie conducts professional reference and a criminal history check including a driver’s check (must have excellent driving record) for this position. All final candidates must successfully complete and pass the City’s evaluation of the pre-employment process before their first day of employment.
Application Process
Please complete an application profile by going to www.edenprairie.org and selecting the employment link at the top of the website.
Application Deadline: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 10, 2020
Review of Application: March 11 to March 24, 2020
Interviews: March 25 to April 3, 2020
Expected Start Date: Flexible depending on school schedule