Environmental Technician-Wetlands Lead

Essential Functions

This job description indicates the normal type and level of work expected of the incumbent. Incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as apparent or assigned.

• Assists with administration and enforcement of the State Wetland Conservation Act and the county’s shoreland, floodplain, Wild & Scenic River, and buffer ordinances and regulations. Reviews permit applications, inspects completed work for compliance with applicable standards, investigates alleged violations, enforces violations, and establishes standards for compliance based on applicable regulations. Provides directions and interpretation of the ordinances and regulations to department staff and the public.
• Assists with the administration and enforcement of the Solid Waste Ordinance based on state statutes. Reviews and issues solid waste hauler licenses, investigates and enforces violations gathers data as required to complete SCORE reporting. Provides direction and interpretation of the ordinance to department staff and the public.
• Assists with the administration and enforcement of the Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Ordinance based on state rules. Reviews permit applications, verifies soils, issues permits, performs inspections and issue Certificates of Compliance for the new SSTS. Reviews property transfers, existing system compliance inspections, and holding tank pumping records; investigates and enforces violations. Provides direction and interpretation of the ordinance to department staff and the public and contractors.
• Under the oversight of the Zoning Administrator, works closely with peers from cities, townships, adjoining counties, state and federal agencies, and other groups to ensure consistency in the administration of wetland, shoreland, and floodplain policies and procedures. Serves on the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEP) Evaluate all proposed wetland, shoreland and floodplain projects in the county. Prepares reports as required by ordinance and presents findings; participates in work-related organizations and discussion groups. Maintains records of projects and decisions.
• Assists with the implementation and long-range planning of the county’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) program.
• Develops and provides AIS, recycling, solid waste, SSTS, and related environmental programs. Conducts, or arranges for others to conduct, training or seminars for landowners, schools, contractors, and community groups. Encourages the use of best management practices by landowners and responsible jurisdictions within the county. Develops, distributes, compiles, and analyzes commercial and industrial business surveys regarding recycling and solid waste management activities, needs, and education; conducts outreach activities to these organizations in an attempt to further implement solid waste best management practices.
• Seeks out and assists in applying for and administering grants for the implementation of county waste management and SSTS initiatives.
• Assists with the coordination and administration of the county recycling program, household hazardous waste, tire, and other regulated material collections as necessary, along with other activities to further implement the Solid Waste Management Plan and statutory requirements, county-wide and on-campus, and oversees implementation and administration of these events.
• Utilizes GIS software to develop maps, analyze data, maintain records and correspondence, prepare and compile detailed reports, and maintain geospatial data.
• Under the oversight of the Zoning Administrator, assists with water planning for the county and participates in relevant activities as the county’s representative for water planning activities, including One Watershed One Plan programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in Environmental Resources, Biology, or a related field, and one year of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to obtain certification as a SSTS Inspector, issued by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and certification as an in-training professional through the Minnesota Wetland Professional Certification Program (MWPCP) within twelve months of employment is required.
• Class D Driver’s License.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.

Selection Process

Candidates will be selected based on a review of training and experience. Top candidates will be invited to participate in oral interviews.

This is a continuous posting (will remain open until filled). First review of applications will be 1/22/2025, and ongoing thereafter.