Environmental Resources Internship - Groundwater Protection

$18 - $20/Yr

Dakota County (MN) - Apple Valley, MN

Full-time - Intern

Apple Valley, MN

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

This temporary position could be a great opportunity for a current college student or recent graduate to explore their interest and gain work experience in the groundwater field. The intern will assist County staff manage the well seal grant program, to include identifying properties that have a high likelihood of having an unused, unsealed well and promoting well seal grants through the utilization of GIS applications and the Dakota County water well database; conducting communication and outreach; and assisting with other unit and department process improvements. Additional learning opportunities will occur through engagement in additional Department activities, including groundwater and surface water sampling events; and potential participation at various events outside of normal work hours such as nitrate testing clinics, Household Hazardous Waste Collection Days, and the Dakota County Fair. This is a temporary (6-month), full-time (40 hours/week) spring/summer internship for a college student or recent college graduate interested in drinking water and groundwater protection. This internship position functions in a staff-level capacity as part of the Environmental Resources Department working in the field, at the Western Service Center in Apple Valley, and working remotely.

Responsibilities

• Assist in administering the well seal grant program by developing communication and promotion materials (e.g., flyers, letters, social media, etc.), process grants applications, and help locate wells using a magnetometer or metal locator, as needed.
• Identify properties that have a strong possibility of having an unused, unsealed well by reviewing historical data and municipal water connection information. Use GIS, the County's water well database, current and historic aerial photographs, and other information to identify neighborhoods to be targeted for the promotion of well seal grants.
• Use the 'targeted' properties list to prioritize neighborhoods within municipal DWSMAs to target for well-sealing information and well-sealing cost-share grants.
• Plan and develop education and outreach events as time permits (such as supporting events at the County Fair); supporting chloride reduction outreach efforts and activities; coordinate meetings and events with internal and external partners and assist with public communication and outreach.
• The intern will be provided additional learning opportunities from all areas of the Environmental Resources Department (ERD) as they arise.

Requirements

• 2 years of pertinent coursework towards the completion of a Bachelor's Degree in physical or biological sciences, geographic information systems, resource/waste management, environmental studies, environmental education/communication, environmental planning, engineering, or another closely related field.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice-to-haves

• Direct experience, education, and/or training with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Benefits

• Hourly pay range of $18.00 - $20.00 depending on qualifications.
• Gain work experience in the groundwater field.
• Engagement in additional Department activities and events.