Corps of Engineers selects Grand Rapids, Minnesota, resident with Civil Servant of the Year honor

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, selected Grand Rapids, Minnesota, resident Jeff Steere as one of its two 2024 Civil Servants of the Year.  

The St. Paul District presents this award annually to its top employees. Steere, a supervisory park ranger with the Army Corps of Engineers’ recreation division, was selected for the award for his leadership.

More specifically, he was recognized for outstanding contributions and leadership toward the Corps’ missions of recreation, flood risk management, environmental stewardship and emergency operations. His work resulted in significant improvements to Corps recreational facilities within the Mississippi River Headwaters by providing safe and positive outdoor experiences to thousands of visitors every year. He also developed a robust volunteer program to reduce operational costs to save tax dollars.

Steere’s leadership is often on display during emergency flood responses in the Upper Mississippi and Rainy river basins by providing technical assistance in a timely manner to help communities respond to a flood risk. For many years and continuing today, he plays a prominent role in the maintenance and rehabilitation of flood risk management structures at five reservoirs through active leadership and participation on district product delivery teams.

“Jeff’s expertise, creativity, unwavering dedication, behind-the-scenes contributions and trustworthy service have resulted in a level of success across the board that exceeds expectations,” said Col. Eric Swenson. St. Paul District commander, “He has provided outstanding service to the Corps of Engineers, their customers and his community for over 40 years.

Steere will be recognized for his efforts during an award ceremony at the Great Northern Building in St. Paul, Minnesota May 7.

-30-