Watershed Restoration Specialist

SWWD is a local, special purpose unit of government that works to protect and restore the water resources of southern Washington County, including the Woodbury Lakes, Ravine Lake, Trout Brook, Lake St. Croix, and the Mississippi River. SWWD is a small organization doing big things in partnership with its Cities and Washington County. Examples of recent work include restoration of Hasenbank Woods and Bailey School Forest, prairie and savanna establishment at Hasenbank Stormwater Park, Seasons Park, and Kargel Park, and ongoing maintenance of prairies at school campuses across the District and at SWWD’s 250-acre Glacial Valley Park. The District has been recognized for its recent work by Minnesota Watersheds and the Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership. All of its work is undertaken with adaptation and resiliency in mind. This is an exciting time to join SWWD as it begins implementation of a new 10-year Watershed Management Plan that prioritizes growing the District’s natural resource protection and restoration programs.
The new Watershed Restoration Specialist will primarily be responsible for implementing and coordinating prescribed natural resource management activities. Specific work will include hands on work like mowing, mechanical and chemical weed control, seeding and planting, managing and coordinating work by contractors, performing ecological surveys, and collaborating with SWWD staff to develop natural resource plans. The Watershed Restoration Specialist will also lead SWWD’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) and Aquatic Vegetation Restoration efforts which will require collaboration and coordination with MnDNR staff, District partners, and District consultants and contractors. Finally, this position will also support planning and implementation under SWWD’s other program areas. The ideal candidate will be comfortable and confident in operating hand tools and small equipment, have strong plant ID skills, be comfortable working independently and as part of a small team, and experienced in engaging partners and collaborators. 

The hired candidate will work with the rest of the SWWD team to implement natural and aquatic resource protection and restoration and climate adaptation efforts within the District. They will pursue innovation in watershed management by implementing adaptive management to identify new projects, strategies, and partnerships to achieve the District’s goals.