Highway Project Manager (Fellowship)

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Job Posting End Date: June 4, 2026 at 11:59pm CST This posting is used to onboard MNSG fellows selected by the U of M. For more information about the program, please visit the University of Minnesota Sea Grant website. Position Description 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. An ideal fellow candidate would have a good understanding of hydrology, habitat management and the ability to work independently as well as on a project team. Work Location This position is located at the Anoka County Highway Building, located at 1440 Bunker Lake Blvd NW, Andover MN 55304. Job Duties and Responsibilities These examples are not all inclusive and are intended to be illustrative of primary responsibilities of an Anoka County Highway Project Manager for the MNSG fellowship program. 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. Qualifications and Requirements Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed 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 Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Needed Education in Environmental Sciences. Job-related experience related to Environmental Sciences. Selection Process It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Pre-employment Requirements Anoka County has determined that successfully passing a pre-employment criminal/driving background check, drug screen and DOT physical, and/or other qualifications checks may be necessary for certain positions. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the County to obtain to conduct such screenings and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position. About Anoka County As the fourth largest county in Minnesota, Anoka County thrives because of the diversity, dedication, determination, and innovation of our employees. United by our mission- Commitment to Excellence: Through collaborative efforts, we seek to improve lives and serve with care, integrity, and professionalism- we offer a wide range of career opportunities for people with a variety of personalities, abilities, knowledge, and life experiences. Together, we work toward a single purpose of serving Anoka County's 369,000 citizens in a respectful, innovative, and fiscally responsible manner. If your career aspirations resonate with our mission, we invite y