Our Staff

About the Position

Position Title: Watershed Restoration Specialist

Job Classification: Specialist (Grade 4)

Hours: Full Time-Exempt (FLSA)

Compensation: $68,000 to $80,000

Reports To: Administrator

The South Washington Watershed District (SWWD) is seeking a Watershed Restoration Specialist. This position offers a hybrid work schedule, competitive pay and PTO, and ongoing education and training.

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.

About the Candidate

• Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Natural Resources, Landscape Ecology, or related field.
• Minimum of four years of experience related to specified program areas.

Skills the Candidate Should Demonstrate

• Strong native and non-native plant identification.
• Comfortable and confident in operating hand tools, mowers, weed whips, hand and backpack sprayers, chainsaws, canoes, and small motorboats.
• Knowledge of watershed management, surface and groundwater hydrology, natural resource management, soils and biology.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, used to develop effective cooperative relationships with contractors, SWWD staff, and SWWD partners.
• Ability to take direction, work independently with minimal supervision, use good time management practices, set priorities, and balance work.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Lifting up to 50 lbs., physical labor and general building skills will be required.
• Performance of frequent assessments of sites over uneven terrain and on sites under active construction.

Compensation

Full salary range is $68,000 to $97,000/year. Anticipated hiring range is $68,000 to $80,000 depending on qualifications and experience, plus paid personal time off, PERA retirement contributions, medical and dental insurance with health savings account (HSA) contributions, and hybrid work environment.

Selection Process

Closing Date: October 25th, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: January 4th, 2027