Engineering Intern - Water Resources

Water Resources Engineering Intern

The Water Resources Engineering Intern is responsible for performing a variety of semi-skilled to skilled tasks in construction observation, report writing, watershed modeling, CAD work, environmental assessments, and other areas for Water Resources related projects. This position is within the Water Resources unit of the Dakota County Environmental Resources Department. The position will require in-office and field work throughout the County, with the ability to work remotely from home as approved by the Water Resources Project Supervisor. This is a great opportunity for students to explore their interests and gain work experience in the Water Resources Engineering field. This position will last approximately 3-4 months during the summer season. Candidates who are interested in a formal internship are responsible for making arrangements with their university/college. Candidates must be able to occasionally work a flexible schedule, including early morning or evening hours. This position does not include benefits.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete routine lake sampling at the Lebanon Hills Regional Park Chain of Lakes for eutrophication standards while maintaining the water quality database and provide data deliverables to the Parks Department.
• Complete routine lake sampling at County beaches.
• Assist the Water Resources Engineer with drafting, modeling and design efforts and tasks necessary for stormwater projects occurring in transportation, parks and other various departments.
• Provide site inspection and construction inspection services to assist the Water Resources Project Supervisor on various construction observation and compliance tasks on County projects.
• Complete comprehensive watershed delineation utilizing watershed delineation tools in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Assist the Environmental Assessment Program with grant administration, grant writing, data gathering, data evaluation, coalition and partnership development, and communications relating to both grantee and grantor relationships and activities.
• Assist the Environmental Assessment Program with project selection, work plan preparation, data collection and management, consultant oversight, field work, project management and other project-related activities.
• Assist the septic system regulatory program with compliance needs, inspections, data management, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist water resources working groups with data gathering and public education opportunities.
• Assist the Senior Water Resources Engineer with completion of monthly inspections at the Byllesby Dam for instrumentation and other various monitoring field tasks.
• Work as part of multi-department project teams which could include Project Managers, Technicians, Engineers, Geologists, Scientists, Planners and Regulators. Day-to-day activities will include field data collection, data and database importing, and data analysis; GIS analysis and map generation; report writing and reviewing; and team meetings and conference calls.

Essential Job Functions: Duties 1 - 11 are essential functions as well as regular attendance according to the position's management-approved work schedule.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment: Excellent verbal and written interpersonal communication skills. Mathematically competent and science literate. Exceptional work ethic, reliable and consistent performance and attendance. Fluency in modern office software programs (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) Working knowledge of database computer software programs (e.g., Microsoft Office-Access) and other engineering related programs (e.g. AutoCAD, ArcGIS, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, HY-8) Positive attitude and ability and desire to learn new technical skills quickly. Self-motivated with a proclivity for problem solving. Work is performed indoors and outdoors in Dakota County. The position will be based out of the Western Service Center in Apple Valley, Minnesota; however, the position also offers remote work from home and field work throughout the County. This position may require the ability to work outdoors in all weather and the ability to perform strenuous physical tasks on a daily basis.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks