Stormwater Intern

The City of Ames has an exciting opportunity for two Stormwater Interns to join our Public Works Department!

Candidates interested in this position can expect to work approximately April 2025 - December 2025, 30-40 hours per week in the summer and 10-15 hours in the spring and fall. The length of the internship may be extended into the Spring semester 2026 upon mutual agreement.

The Stormwater Intern performs sub-professional work administering, inspecting and implementing federal, state, and local stormwater requirements; maintains the City's bio-cells and native landscape areas; aids in ensuring compliance with the City's Phase II MS4, National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit and City of Ames related ordinances; aids in developing and administering a public education and outreach program; performs related work as required.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient. Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings within this classification; for up to 6 months.

Implement City’s Green Infrastructure and Native Vegetation Maintenance and Management Plan at City owned stormwater practices, bio-cells and native landscape areas (approximately 70% of time)

• Inspect city stormwater Green Infrastructure practices and prepare monthly maintenance reports
• Weed by hand, with weed trimmer, mower and other equipment and methods
• Remove litter
• Plant seedlings and native plant plugs
• Remove and treatment of woody invasive plants 
• Clean pre-treatment structures
• Apply mulch 
• Collect native seed from native areas
• Perform end of season maintenance (trim vegetation/leaf removal)

Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (approximately 10% of time)

• Install and remove erosion and sediment control practices
• Conduct field inspections for erosion control practices
• Prepare soil and apply seed and mulch in right-of-way areas
• Measure seeding areas

Education and Outreach (approximately 10% of time)

• Aids in organizing and attend public participation and educational events promoting city’s stormwater program including stream cleanups, EcoFair, science nights and ISU sustainability events
• Aids in developing and implementing public education and training and outreach programs to promote City's Stormwater Program
• Develops educational materials such as social media posts and city newsletter articles for specific target audiences

Other Functions (approximately 10% of time)

• Administrates City's Stormwater rebate program.
• Investigates inquiries relating to drainage issues and illicit discharge to City MS-4
• Assist in reporting and analysis of storm sewer system during and after flood events
• Assist in preparation of the MS4 Annual Stormwater Program Report
• Assist in developing and implementing other special projects

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity, and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.Education and Experience: Must be a current student at time of hire. Experience or field of study in Engineering, Environmental Science, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, or related field.

Preferred:
-Knowledge and experience of stormwater drainage flow and systems.
-At a freshman, sophomore or junior level in their program of study.
-Experience in manual labor related to landscaping

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver's license required.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills: Knowledge of hand tools and equipment commonly used in gardening or landscaping. Knowledge of the principles and practices of stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control; knowledge of stormwater best management practices; knowledge of general surveying principles and calculations. Ability to deal effectively with the public in high stress situations; ability to read public improvement plans, subdivision plats, site plans, topographic maps, etc.; ability to prepare and maintain clear and concise records and reports; ability to work with other City employees and the general public; ability to create and implement effective public outreach and educational programs; ability to work under general direction; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; skill in the use of a laptop computer and related software.

NOTE: Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.Physical & Environmental Characteristics
Required Physical Activities: Balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of Work: The work involves sitting for 40 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 10 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 25 percent of the time; standing and walking 25 percent of the time; frequently lifting objects weighing under 10 pounds and occasionally lifting objects weighing from 10 to 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing/analyzing data and figures, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading, visual inspection involving close detail, use of measurement devices at distances close to the eyes.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes exposure to extreme cold, extreme heat, precipitation, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin, oils, and darkness or poor lighting conditions.

Equipment Used to Perform Essential Functions: Automobile, laptop computers and peripheral equipment, Microsoft Office, Micro Station and ArcGIS software, plotter, scanner, phone, fax machine, public improvement plans, site plans, FIRM, SUDAS, municipal code, Code of Iowa, Federal regulations, stormwater related materials, level, folding ruler, steel tape, safety glasses, steel toed boots, vest, hard hat, rain gear, leather work gloves. Other Equipment Used: Broom, shovel, hammer, screwdriver, box knife, drill, two-way radio, survey equipment, video projector.

Selection Process:
The selection process consists of an evaluation of education and experience, phone interview, on-site interview, and completion of a criminal background check, which includes a sex offender registry check and motor vehicle record check. All candidates will be notified by email of their application status.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Applications submitted for this position by the application deadline may be considered for other openings within this classification; for up to 6 months.

Depending on the number of qualified candidates, the City may forgo phone interviews.

Salary : $17 - $24