Highway Project Manager (Fellowship)

Anoka County

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Minnesota Sea Grant (MNSG) Science and Policy Fellowship is a one-year, full-time, paid program for current and recent graduate students. Fellows will be placed with host organizations, including state agencies, legislative committees, tribal agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Through mentorship and training, fellows will support host organizations on projects related to water resource science and policy. The program provides fellows an opportunity to gain real-world experience, while host organizations benefit from the expertise of highly trained scientists. At the Anoka County Transportation Division, our vision is to enhance and protect life by delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation solutions. This position offers an opportunity for a MNSG Science and Water Policy fellow to immerse themselves in one major project – A year-long research project that integrates impaired waterbodies, natural resource restoration, and monarch habitat – along with opportunities to get involved with several other aspects of work pertaining to ACHD policies and procedures that impact water resources.

Requirements

This posting is used to onboard MNSG fellows selected by the U of M. For more information about the program, please visit: University of Minnesota Sea Grant website

Nice To Haves

A good understanding of hydrology, habitat management and the ability to work independently as well as on a project team.
Education in Environmental Sciences.
Job-related experience related to Environmental Sciences.

Responsibilities

Evaluate how roadside vegetation management practices can be optimized to improve water quality in impaired waterbodies while enhancing monarch and pollinator habitat.
Assess runoff and nutrient loading from roadsides under different vegetation types.
Monitor monarch habitat quality (milkweed density, nectar sources).
Develop BMPs (Best Management Practices) for roadside restoration.
Riparian Buffer Restoration for Dual Benefits: Water Quality & Monarch Habitat.
Select native plant species that support monarchs and stabilize stream banks.
Measure changes in water quality (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, turbidity).
Track monarch usage and breeding success in restored areas.
GIS-Based Prioritization Tool for Monarch Habitat Restoration in Impaired Watersheds Overlay and impaired waterbody data with monarch migration corridors and land use.
Use GIS to model restoration impact scenarios.
Engage stakeholders (cities, watershed districts, conservation groups).
Longitudinal Study of Monarch Habitat Restoration on Formerly Impaired Sites.
Compare pre- and post-restoration data on water quality and monarch presence.
Interview land managers and restoration practitioners.
Develop a case study series for policy and outreach.