Permitting Assistant

About the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District

The Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD) is a local unit of government responsible for managing and protecting the water resources within the 178 square miles that drain into Lake Minnetonka, the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Minnehaha Creek and ultimately the Mississippi River. Over the past 50 years, the MCWD has acquired and maintained a comprehensive data set of the District’s natural resources which has supported implementation of over 70 capital projects and conserved and restored over 700 acres of land.

MCWD believes that clean water and a healthy natural environment are essential ingredients in creating vibrant, sustainable communities. The lakes, streams, wetlands, and green space that make up the MCWD landscape create a sense of place that provides a local identity, adds economic value and increases well-being. This belief is core to our mission of working with public and private partners to protect and improve land and water for generations to come.

MCWD is looking forward to the next decade as we continue to implement our vision through our newly adopted Watershed Management Plan. With its driven staff, strong Board of Managers, and growing partnerships, MCWD is poised for continued success.

MCWD has an annual budget of $12 million and employs a dedicated professional staff of 24 who work on natural resource planning, project development, land conservation, land use policy, water quality monitoring, permitting, education and communication.

MCWD offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies, tuition reimbursement, professional development, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative work environment. As a result you will find a culture that supports staff coordination, innovation and execution, with the purpose of improving the MCWD’s delivery of service to its constituents.

Summary of Position

The Permitting Assistant is a full-time entry level position within the Permitting Department. The Permitting Assistant will join a team that works cross-departmentally to protect and enhance natural resources within the Minnehaha Creek watershed through the administration of rules, enforcing compliance, and promoting partnerships to achieve greater natural resource outcomes than can be achieved solely through regulation.

The Permitting Assistant performs a key role in the Permitting Department by processing land-use and water resource permit applications according to District regulations, managing the permit database, conducting construction site inspections, and coordinating with Cities to ensure compliance within the District. The Permitting Assistant provides exceptional customer service when working with permit applicants to inform their project planning and guide them in maximizing water resource benefit and land use goals. The Permitting Assistant also provides assistance as needed to the Permitting Technicians and Department Lead in advancing Department initiatives.

The successful candidate will possess strong abilities in written and oral communications, problem solving, critical thinking, technical writing, and customer service.

Qualifications for the position include an Associates/Technical degree with coursework in environmental science, natural resources, or a related field. Bachelor’s degree and related experience preferred.