Engineering Intern (Environmental)

Salary: $20.50 - $22.70 Hourly
Location : Inver Grove Heights, MN
Job Type: Seasonal/Temporary
Job Number: 2025-00053
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering
Opening Date: 01/05/2026
Closing Date: 1/19/2026 11:59 PM Central

Position Description
This position supports implementation of the City's Water Resources Management Plan and Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program (SWPPP), with an emphasis on applying knowledge and experience of urban stormwater management for compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Duties will include assisting the Environmental Resources Technician with inspection and providing consultation on stormwater structures, facilities, and associated land management and erosion control practices.

Essential Job Functions
Provide support for administrative requirements of Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) (keeps records; updates MS4 maps and inventories, etc.).

Assists with detection and tracks illicit discharge sources; inspects priority or high-risk areas where potential or historical sources of stormwater pollution exist. Investigates and responds to suspected and reported illicit discharges.

Inspects municipal stormwater ponds, structures, outfalls, property, easements, etc.; documents repair, replacement, and maintenance needs; assists with corrective actions and follow-up activities. Inspects municipal facilities, stockpiles, storage, and material handling areas; reviews operations that may contribute pollutants to stormwater discharges; recommends BMPs to prevent or reduce runoff pollutants.

Inspects temporary and permanent private stormwater BMP's for compliance with approved plans, proper functions of BMP's, and compliance with approved maintenance agreements. Refers issues for corrective actions to ensure proper functions of BMP's; conducts follow-up inspections; certifies resolutions by responsible parties.

Assist in tracking, managing and follow-up on drainage complaints across the city in coordination with other departmental staff.

Assists with the development of water quality improvement projects including lake and pond monitoring and improving protocols and policies for stormwater ponds and natural areas.

Assists with grant funding and grant management opportunities for water quality, natural resources, and forestry initiatives. Participates in grant pursuit opportunities.
Effectively communicates with residents, developers, contractors, state and local agencies, and staff on stormwater and natural resources issues, inquiries, or complaints through written and oral communication.

Assist the Environmental Resources Technician with the proactive management of tree diseases, including oak wilt, Dutch elm disease, and emerald ash borer, including inspections, recommendations, inventories, and long-range planning assistance to maintain the City's urban forest.

Assists with contract and project management for large tree removal, tree replacement, and tree replacement initiatives.

Assists with prairie management efforts, including recommendation and contract compilation for prescribed burns and noxious weed mitigation.

Assist in providing content for newsletters, websites, social media, presentations, and other forms of outreach for environmental and sustainability programs.

Assist public works maintenance with emergency response duties.

Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

In pursuit of or be a recent graduate of an associate degree or higher in Natural Resources, Geology, Hydrology, Engineering, or related field.

Computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Ability to read and interpret maps, plats, plans, easement documents, ArcGIS and experience with GPS and basic survey equipment.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and have a valid Driver's License.

Working knowledge of the purpose and elements of city infrastructure; specifically, stormwater infrastructure. Ability to inspect and report on the condition of existing infrastructure or infrastructure under construction.

Preferred Qualifications:

Municipal experience in engineering, or public works.

Experience in surface water/stormwater management, and environmental issues surrounding groundwater and surface water protection. Understanding of stormwater regulations in the State of Minnesota.

Supplemental Information
Work Environment:

Working in and around high-volume traffic, bodies of water, hazardous chemicals, inclement weather conditions, hot and cold temperatures, noise, dirt, dust, fumes, slippery roads, and heavy lifting. Work may involve working in confined workspaces and the use of safety equipment. Duties of the job may involve some occasional disagreeable interactions.

Physical Job Requirements:Employee is required to continuously stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and use hands/fingers dexterously; occasionally sit, climb, stoop, and crawl; and frequently talk, listen, and hear. Exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Work involves frequent and prolonged walking and hiking over uneven terrain and exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including insects, ticks, and noxious plants.
The City provides Paid Time Off (PTO) as required to comply with Minnesota's Earned Sick and Safe Time law. City employees are also required to participate in the Minnesota Public Employment Retirement Association (PERA), unless otherwise exempted. No other City benefits are provided unless mandated.