LOCATION: Washington Conservation District - Oakdale, MN
CLASSIFICATION: Seasonal Technician SALARY RANGE: $17-$20/hr DOQ
BENEFITS: Performance based bonus available (up to $500), plus enhanced sick and safe leave
HOURS/DAYS: Normal business hours (40-hours per week)
STATUS: Seasonal, non-exempt
TERM: Spring-Fall – 6-months+ position, depending on workload.

The Washington Conservation District (WCD) seeks a self-motivated individual to monitor and assess lake and stream water quality in Washington County, Minnesota.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

1. Assist with the manual collection of lake and stream water quality data.
2. Assist with the installation, operation, and maintenance of automated water monitoring equipment.
3. Assist with measuring stream flow and developing stage-to-discharge relationships.
4. Assist with water monitoring data summaries and storage.
5. Other duties as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified applicants will possess, or be actively pursuing, a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Hydrology, Limnology, Water Resources, Environmental Science or related natural resources field. Must have the ability to walk on uneven terrain associated with natural areas, be willing to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions, and be able to wade in small streams and wetlands. Canoeing skills are required and the applicant must demonstrate the ability to single-handedly portage a canoe and load and unload a canoe from the top of a truck. Must be proficient in verbal and written skills and possess the ability to work independently. Must be proficient with various computer software, including spreadsheet and database programs. Must have a valid driver’s license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with conducting in-stream flow measurements and developing stage discharge relationship. Experience with ISCO, Campbell Scientific, Solinst, Global Water, and other automated data loggers and automated water quality samplers. Experience with storing, summarizing and analyzing data, specifically water quantity and water quality data.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work involves office (10-20%) and outside field work (80-90%). Frequent position changes; lifting, pushing, and pulling more than 50 pounds on a regular basis (17 ft aluminum canoe, deep cycle batteries, 5-liter jugs of water, etc.); exposures not limited to heat, cold, and wet conditions; and use of the senses of sight and smell are necessary in this work. Equipment used include, but not limited to, general office equipment including computers, printers, and telephone, and field equipment such as water monitoring instruments, tablets, and laptop computers.

SELECTION TECHNIQUE: Finalists for the interview process will be determined after initial screening and assessment of relevant qualifications and experience. Applicants selected for the interview process will be contacted directly by the Washington Conservation District.

APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Erik Anderson at eanderson@mnwcd.org. Application materials must be received by 4:00 p.m. March 2nd, 2025.

CONDITIONS OF ANNOUNCEMENT: Washington Conservation District reserves the right to change the content of this announcement without notification and may at any time withdraw the announcement.

REPORTS TO: The Water Resource Specialist for daily assignments and the District Manager on a regular basis.