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Rice Creek Watershed District
District Administrator

Position Profile

The Organization

The Rice Creek Watershed District was established in 1972 by the Minnesota State Legislature in response to requests from Commissioners from the Minnesota counties of Ramsey, Washington and Anoka. The District develops and manages programs of water use and provides direction and assistance to municipalities within the District on local water issues.

The District coordinates activities and programs affecting water resources for a variety of governmental entities within the District including four counties, 26 cities, two townships, five special purpose districts and the St. Paul Regional Water Service. The principal counties are Anoka, Ramsey and Washington. A minute portion of the District lies in Hennepin County. The District encompasses over 200 square miles of urban and rural land and contains 39 lakes and numerous ditches, marshes, wetlands and wildlife areas. Rice Creek is the principal stream of the watershed that originates on Clear Lake in Forest Lake and runs southwest through a chain of lakes to the Mississippi River in Fridley. Rice Creek has two major tributaries: Hardwood Creek and Clearwater Creek.

The District is governed by a five-member Board of Managers appointed for three-year terms by Commissioners of the principal counties in the following manner: two Managers from Anoka County, two Managers from Ramsey County and one Manager from Washington County. Advisory Committee members are appointed to two-year terms by the Board of Managers.

District activities are funded through annual tax levies from the counties, state and federal grants, permit fees and special assessments. The accounting system is organized by funds and account groups. The budget for 2007 is approximately $4 million.

History

In 1974, the District prepared an overall Water Management Plan that served as its operating framework for 18 years. Following new requirements by the Metropolitan Surface Water Management Act, the District developed a Watershed Resource Management Plan which was approved by the Board of Soil and Water Resources in 1990 and amended in 1992, 1994, 1997 and 2000.

District functions include construction, repair, maintenance and improvement of public drainage systems. The District is responsible for issuing and reviewing construction permits, assisting municipalities in development planning, and implementing the District Watershed Resource Management Plan.

Specific goals include:
1. Minimize public expenditures to control runoff,
2. Improve water quality,
3. Prevent flooding and erosion,
4. Promote groundwater recharge, and
5. Protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat and recreation.

Projects and Programs

The District addresses water issues through projects and regulatory programs including:

Resource Management Plans – The District has created a process that incorporates water management plans into a municipality’s comprehensive land use planning process. Two Resource Management/ Comprehensive Wetland Management Plans have been completed for two subwatershed areas and three additional plans are in progress.

Water Quality Improvements – The District works cooperatively with cities on both a technical and financial level to implement projects rehabilitating outdated or deficient stormwater treatment systems. In addition, the District has implemented various water quality ponding improvement projects that will continue to need maintenance in the coming years.

Riparian Restoration – The District has completed some of the largest riparian restoration projects in Minnesota over the past five years and continues to focus on restoring the ecological integrity of their stream systems.

Lake and Stream Monitoring - Data collected from lakes and major streams coupled with diagnostic/ feasibility study efforts has led to an ability to foresee water quality problems. The District is completing Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) studies in cooperation with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency on several lakes and streams.

Environmental Education – The Blue Thumb Program was started by the District as an outreach program to meet water quality goals and assist District cities in meeting Federal Clean Water Act mandates. The program has expanded to include 20 Blue Thumb partners throughout Minnesota. The District has also developed an Environmental Substitute Teacher program that provides water resource training and teaching materials to substitute teachers.

Hydrologic Modeling – The District was modeled in the late 1990s. Updated modeling is being developed for a large portion of the District and will be completed over the next few years.

Cost-Share Program – A residential cost share program for priority lakes and streams targeted for rehabilitation.

Flood Plain Delineation – Completion of advanced hydrologic studies to identify flood-prone areas and establish 100-year floodplain elevations throughout the District have enhanced flood protection.

Public Ditch Operations and Maintenance – The District maintains jurisdiction for all County and Judicial ditches within its borders. Inspections and maintenance of the public ditch system are the responsibility of the District.

Permitting and Development Reviews – The District regulates stormwater management, erosion control, floodplain alteration, and drainage systems under rules adopted in 1998. The District is also the LGU for the Minnesota Wetland Conservation act and is responsible for regulation wetland alterations.


The Position

The District Administrator oversees the District’s Mission and goals and represents the District’s interests in the community. In conjunction with the District President and Board, the Administrator provides leadership and coordination in determining the District’s goals, programs, and priorities.

Specific duties include:

• Work with the Board to develop and revise programs and projects. Keep current with pertinent legislation and the availability of grants.

• Maintain communications with other watershed districts, governmental organizations, and community leaders to obtain information and learn techniques pertinent to District operations.

• Oversee office functions and the activities of the Permit Coordinator/Wetland Specialist, Inspectors, Information System Specialist, Environmental Education Coordinator, Lake and Street Specialist, Engineering Technician, and Office Manager. Coordinate the activities of the District accountants, attorney, engineer, and other consultants in completion of activities as directed by the Board. Hire additional resources as necessary and as authorized by the Board.

• Manage finances and budget preparation and presentation. Assure continued financial stability and available resources to accomplish operating and long range objectives. Prepare and present monthly financial reports to the Board.

• Coordinate permit applications and project reviews with the consulting engineer, regulatory agencies, cities, and applicants. Ensure administration of the Wetland Conservation Act.

• Maintain records and provide information to the public, developers and other governmental agencies.

• Provide leadership to District committees and the Advisory Committee.

• Serve as spokesperson and write articles and press releases which clearly communicate District activities, policies and mission. Represent the District at meetings, seminars and committees.

• Prepare Board agendas and propose annual schedule of goal setting, budget, annual report, contract renewals, District projects, and revisions of the Water Resource Management Plan. Participate in by-monthly Board meetings.


Background and Experience

Candidates for the District Administrator position will possess a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in water resources, natural resources management, land use management, public affairs, environmental studies or a similar field and a minimum of five years in a public or semi-public sector management position.

Qualified candidates should possess:

• Knowledge of hydrology and water resource management activities and issues to include water quality, water level, ground water, stormwater, shoreland, drainage, ditches, wetlands, and agriculture.

• Knowledge of regional, state and federal rules and regulations applicable to drainage and watershed activities.

• Experience in planning and managing large scale projects including related expenses and allocation of resources.

• Strong budgeting and presentation experience.

• Understanding of levy limits and familiarity with assistance programs.

• Background in business and financial management.

• Background in infrastructure planning and implementation.

• Ability to analyze and synthesize engineering data.

• Understanding of strategic planning and comprehensive land use planning processes.

• Demonstrated history of establishing and maintaining effective collaborative relationships. Ability to work with a variety of governmental agencies and local governments. Experience working with developers and environmental groups.

• Experience in working with elected and appointed officials, boards, and commissions.

• Knowledge of the various regulatory agencies and a broad network within the industry is a plus.

• Experience in contract administration.

• Experience in grant writing.

• Experience in staff supervision and team building.

• Awareness of computer applications appropriate to water management activities and general office management, including records management.

• Excellent public speaking and writing skills.


Management Capabilities

• Establish and maintain relationships with a diverse mix of constituents.

• Be comfortable serving in a public relations role.

• Understand the importance of working with the staff team to set directions and goals. Work with staff on an individual basis to determine expectations.

• Be cognizant of the need to balance land use and environmental concern issues.

• Assist the Board in policy development. Provide options and suggest recommendations. Attend meetings of the Advisory Board to provide direction.

• Actively seek new ideas, tools and knowledge.

• Be flexible and willing to compromise without sacrificing the progress toward the goals of the organization.

• Be diplomatic and decisive.


Position and District Priorities

• Lead the Board and consultants in updating the Water Resources Management Plan to ensure programs that address needs and priorities. Commence the process of submittal of the Third Generation Plan.

• Develop an image and a presence with the cities and counties in the District. Continue to maintain ties with public works departments within the local governments.

• Continue to develop and implement Resource Management Plans that allow for resource protection and targeted development.

• Maintain a schedule of ditch cleaning, assessment and maintenance.

• Deal with existing litigation issues.

• Fill the position of Lake and Stream Specialist.

• Lead a process to revise and update the Strategic Plan.

• Continue to recruit partners for the Blue Thumb Program and complete the new rain garden book.

• Continue to meet with city staff to assure correct Natural Resource Inventory (NRI) data.

• Review and change rules to better reflect the needs of the District. Follow up with public hearings prior to adoption.

• Continue partnership with Friends of the Mississippi to monitor area stream collection data.

• Develop a scope for assessment of recent installations and a framework for a cost share program with cities to monitor and document BMPs.

• Work with District inspectors to assess available ditch records for purposes of digitizing and classification.

• Continue assessing groundwater contributions for nutrient loading, recharge and discharge areas and the identification of sensitive resources.

• Evaluate design options for a skimmer to reduce maintenance of the downstream fish barrier at the site of the Hwy. 61 wetland restoration project.

• Consider outlet options to improve the existing connection between Centerville and Peltier Lakes.

• Complete ongoing work to develop methodology for ditch system improvement.

• Investigate stormwater management opportunities for all five-year road improvement plans.


Announcement

District Administrator; Rice Creek Watershed District. Starting salary mid $70 to mid $90s Position reports to a five-member Board of Managers appointed by County Boards. Responsible for the operation of a regional agency covering 200 square miles and encompassing all or portions of 4 counties, 26 cities, 2 townships, 5 special purpose districts and the St. Paul Regional Water Service. Supervise a staff of nine plus consultants and seasonal workers. Administer a budget of approximately $4 million. Requires Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) and a minimum of five years in a responsible public or semi-public position. Knowledge of water resources management including water quality, water level and drainage issues. Collaborative experience, technical knowledge and understanding of regional, state and federal regulations pertaining to water resources is highly desirable. Position Profile available. Send resume by June 29, 2007 to The Brimeyer Group, Inc., 50 S. 9th Ave., #101, Hopkins, MN 55343. Phone: (952) 945-0246 Fax: (952) 945-0102 e-mail: brimgroup@aol.com web: www.brimgroup.com

For more info: www.ricecreek.org

Timetable

6/29/07 Deadline for Application

7/25/07 Present Candidates/Select Finalists

Week of 8/6/07 Interviews/Selection

September 2007 Start Date