Water Resources Intern

Position Overview
The individual in this position assists division staff with water and natural resources management tasks to support the implementation of the City’s surface water management plan, natural resources management plan, and resilience & sustainability plan. The Water Resources Intern performs inspections, recordkeeping, correspondence, field data collection, research, and education and outreach.

Expected Hours of Work

Hours are typically Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. In addition to working office hours, staff may be required to work additional events, which may include nights or weekends. This temporary position has a maximum term of 1,039 hours in 2025. Expectation is 40 hours per week in summer and up to 20 hours per week in spring and fall to accommodate course work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions:

1. Perform construction site inspections of grading, drainage, erosion and sediment control measures, tree protection measures, and landscaping for compliance with permits and City code.
2. Support the enforcement process by preparing notices, tracking correspondence, and maintaining records of related activities and schedules.
3. Assist in assessing conditions, proper functions, and maintenance needs of natural and built stormwater infrastructure and treatment practices (including ponds, basins, pipe inlets and outlets, wetlands, streams, native vegetation buffers, etc.).
4. Communicate with owners of stormwater infrastructure and treatment practices to ensure compliance with permits and maintenance agreements.
5. Inspect commercial sites with outdoor storage to document illicit discharges.
6. Assist with construction observation and inspection of the City’s stormwater and natural resources improvement projects.
7. Perform and participate in transparent, robust, and equitable processes, including those related to inspection, communication, education, and other efforts that support the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals, helping to foster an inclusive and welcoming community.
8. Assist staff and community members with volunteer projects and events.
9. Help investigate drainage issues and provide technical assistance to residents.
10. Conduct site visits in nature areas, open spaces, and conservation easements to assess conditions and identify potential issues and solutions.
11. Assist in managing pollinator habitat by seeding and harvesting native plant seeds.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have employee supervisory responsibilities. Minimum Qualifications

• A post-secondary student or recent graduate with coursework in Water Resources, Engineering, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biological Sciences, or equivalent.
• A valid driver’s license.
• University of Minnesota Erosion and Stormwater Management Certification or able to obtain within thirty (30) days of start date (training funded by the City).
• University of Minnesota Tree Inspector Certification or able to obtain within thirty (30) days of start date (training funded by the City).
• Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous training or experience in environmental permitting, construction observation, municipal operations, civil engineering, urban stormwater management, or natural resources management.
• Two years of post-secondary education in related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Experience working with ArcGIS, asset management software, permit and plan review software, and Microsoft Office 365.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering plans and drawings.
• Ability to identify trees and native and noxious plant species.

Competencies

• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Positive Attitude
• Hard Work
• Equity and Inclusion
• Leadership
• Decision-Making
• Ethical
• Organized
• Problem Solving

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors. Employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions. Exposure to adverse weather conditions and/or in the presence of heavy construction equipment may occur on project sites. Employee is subject to noise, but generally free from additional work hazards.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:
• Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material. 
• Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, and using written communication methods. 
• Regularly operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone, as well as equipment/tools commonly found in civil and environmental engineering.
• Regularly travel around the City to meetings or events, operating City vehicles as needed.
• Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings and access files and office machinery.
• Occasionally move through uneven, rough terrains and environments containing mud, water or wet conditions.
• Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 25 pounds.
  

EEO Statement
The City of Golden Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $19 - $20