Working Title: Assistant Area Wildlife Manager

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife or Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate - Wildlife

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 76547

• Location : Owatonna

• Telework Eligible : Yes; partial

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 05/08/2024

• Closing Date : 05/28/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : DNR Fish and Wildlife Region 4

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes; limited

• NR Specialist Wildlife Salary Range: $23.37 - $33.90 / hourly; $48,796 - $70,783 / annually

• NR Specialist Intermediate Wildlife 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

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

ATTENTION APPLICANTS: This vacancy is being announced at two different job classes at the same time: NR Specialist Wildlife and NR Specialist Intermediate Wildlife. Only one position is being filled at the Owatonna Area Wildlife office location. The final classification and starting salary are dependent on successful applicant qualifications. There is only one Job ID for this vacancy, and you will be considered for the highest classification for which you qualify.

The DNR is currently seeking to fill an Assistant Area Wildlife Manager position in Owatonna, 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 position requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain in adverse environmental conditions. This position requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level).

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

Transcripts are required for these positions. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

NR Specialist Wildlife:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.

• Transcript requirement:

• 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.

• One (1) course in each: chemistry or physics; statistics; communication; and ecology.

• A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/biology.

NR Specialist Intermediate Wildlife:

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.

• Transcript requirement as described above.

• 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.

At either level, experience/education must include:

• 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

· Master’s degree in wildlife biology or related field.

· 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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.