Assistant Area Wildlife Manager / Natural Resources Specialist Wildlife

Full job description At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.
Job Details Working Title: Assistant Area Wildlife Manager Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Wildlife Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 04/12/2024 Closing Date: 05/02/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift Days of Work : Monday - Friday Travel Required : Yes Salary Range: $24.92 - $36.34 / hourly; $52,032 - $75,877 / annually Classified Status : Classified Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional Telework Eligible : No Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans. The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary The DNR is currently seeking a self-motivated, adaptable, and dedicated individual to fill an Assistant Area Wildlife Manager position in Cambridge, MN. This position exists to protect and enhance wildlife populations and capital improvements through development and management of wildlife habitats and facilities. The Assistant Area Wildlife Manager recommends development, maintenance, and construction on all wildlife management areas within the wildlife work area. In addition, they provide input into the evaluation, development, and management of wildlife populations, habitat, and plant communities as well as provide assistance to the Area Wildlife Supervisor.
Responsibilities include:
Assist with the implementation of habitat management, facility development, and maintenance in the Wildlife Area so that wildlife resources and public use are enhanced. Assist with protection of wildlife and habitat through habitat evaluation, land acquisition, and environmental review so that healthy and diverse wildlife habitats will be maintained on the landscape. Assist with the implementation of wildlife population management programs in a manner that is consistent with the Section of Wildlife goals and objectives. Promote and establish cooperation and partnerships with other DNR disciplines, government and tribal agencies, industry, nonprofit, and citizens groups, so that people work together to protect and manage wildlife populations and habitat. Effectively communicate wildlife management work and needs in order to gain public understanding and support for wildlife management programs. Assist with fiscal and other administrative activities for the Wildlife Area so that priority habitat and facility management activities are completed according to desired time schedules. Assist with financial and other reporting. Demonstrate accountability to Department personnel and interested stakeholders by adhering to Department policies and guidelines. This job requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain in adverse environmental conditions. It requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level).
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date. Bachelor's degree in wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis. Transcript requirement: A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/biology. One (1) course in each: chemistry or physics; statistics; communication; and ecology. At least four (4) additional wildlife or ecology, or related courses, such as animal or plant taxonomy, comparative anatomy or physiology, soils or geology, mammalogy, ornithology, parasitology, etc. Two (2) years of professional level (e.g., NR Specialist) wildlife or habitat management experience sufficient to implement wildlife and habitat management, facility development, and maintenance duties in a Wildlife Area. Knowledge of wildlife and habitat management in prairie, forest, brushland, and wetland habitats. Technical knowledge of wildlife species identification, habitat relationships, food habits, animal behavior, parasites and disease, life histories, and reproductive potential. Knowledge of census/survey techniques and their limitations. Ability to identify common terrestrial and aquatic plants. Writing skills sufficient to communicate work programs, project proposals, accomplishment reports, survey results, hunting season data, and correspondence. Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences. Ability to become National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fight Type 2 (FFT2) qualified through completing required coursework and field training within twelve (12) months of hire. Ability to develop and implement project proposals using available staff, funding, tools, and equipment. Education or experience in the use of GIS software and GPS units. Ability to safely operate 4WD trucks, trailers, UTVs, boats, motors, and other tools and equipment. Knowledge or ability to operate habitat management equipment. Ability to use various computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, data base, and mapping software. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in wildlife biology or related field. Knowledge of hunting and trapping traditions, methods, and regulations and the ability to effectively communicate those to relevant stakeholder groups. Knowledge of or experience using prescribed fire for habitat management. Experience with prairie and wetland management practices. Certified in the application of pesticides for invasive species management. Experience with citizen engagement, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques. Knowledge of wildlife damage management and hunting and trapping traditions, methods, and regulations. Experience with wetland management including shallow lake management, operation of water control structures, and coordination with other disciplines or organizations. Experience writing contracts for wildlife habitat or facility projects. Experience leading the work of contractors or work crews with habitat and facility management projects. A working knowledge of other disciplines such as fisheries, forestry, forest ecology, shallow lakes management, soil conservation, and hydrology to guide the development of partnerships and projects. Basic wildland firefighter training (S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline, IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-700 An introduction to the National Incident Management System). Additional Requirements This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
Conflict of Interest Review Criminal History Check Education Verification Employment Reference / Records Check License / Certification Verification Application Details How to Apply Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at or email . For additional information about the application process, go to
If you have questions about the position, contact Tim Marion at or .
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at . To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Rebecca Mortellaro at .
Why Work for Us Diverse Workforce We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule Comprehensive Benefits Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:
Public pension plan Training and professional development Paid vacation and sick leave 11 paid holidays each year Paid parental leave Low-cost medical and dental coverage Prescription drug coverage Vision coverage Wellness programs and resources Employer paid life insurance Short-term and long-term disability Health care spending and savings accounts Dependent care spending account Tax-deferred compensation Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Tuition reimbursement Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at or email and indicate what assistance is needed.