Regional Specialist

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: Regional Nongame Specialist Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted : 4/11/2024 Closing Date : 5/1/2024 Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift Days of Work : Monday - Friday Travel Required : Yes - Regularly in the region, occasionally throughout the state; overnights 2-4 times/year. Salary Range: $27.58 - $40.49 / hourly; $57,587 - $84,543 / annually Job Class Option : NonGame Classified Status : Classified Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional Telework Eligible : Yes 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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire a full-time permanent Regional Nongame Specialist in Bemidji. This position exists to direct the conservation of the State's nongame resources within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' (DNR's) Northwest Region with a focus on forest communities. The Regional Nongame Specialist will serve to administer a nongame resources management program within the guidance of the State Wildlife Action Plan, Nongame Wildlife Program, and the Northwest Ecological and Water Resources leadership to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore native nongame wildlife resources for their intrinsic values, ecosystem functions, long-term benefits, and public enjoyment.
Responsibilities: Serve as a technical expert by providing technical guidance related to nongame wildlife, including listed species and species of greatest conservation need, to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore native nongame wildlife resources and their habitats. Design and implement inventory, survey, monitoring, and research projects independently, or in collaboration with others with an emphasis on the priorities identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan, so the status, distribution, abundance and conservation needs of nongame wildlife may be determined and enhanced. Manage, improve, conserve, protect, restore or reconstruct public and private lands to benefit nongame wildlife and their associated natural communities and ecosystems with a focus on enhancing the Wildlife Action Network and working in Conservation Focus Areas. Plan, oversee, and coordinate a nongame resources management program in the region and within the guidance of the State Wildlife Action Plan, Nongame Wildlife Program, Northwest Ecological and Water Resources leadership, Department and Division strategic plans, departmental policies, and legal mandates. Plan, implement and evaluate outreach activities that inform citizens about nongame wildlife, current conservation issues and efforts, the Nongame Wildlife Program check-off, wildlife tourism, and nuisance wildlife to educate citizens and encourage support for and donations to the Nongame Wildlife Program. Complete administrative tasks necessary to carry our responsibilities according to state standards so that activities are in compliance with Department and State policies. This position requires the ability to work outdoors in a variety of settings, and to travel long distances on foot in various terrains and under all weather conditions.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a full or part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location as needed for meetings, training, onboarding, and field work, among other activities.
Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, ecology, zoology, conservation biology, or closely related natural resource major. Three years of professional experience developing and implementing habitat management plans, conducting wildlife surveys, and making recommendations for wildlife conservation actions. *An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience. * Knowledge of the principles and practices of wildlife ecology and wildlife management sufficient to conduct wildlife surveys and interpret research results. Knowledge of nongame wildlife, ecology, and habitats of Minnesota sufficient to identify native wildlife species, assess habitat needs and make recommendations. Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to communicate technical natural resource information to a variety of professionals, the public and volunteers. Proficient in the use of geographic information systems (ArcMap/ArcGIS Pro) sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products. Software proficiency with MS Office Suite, including word processing, spreadsheets, and relational databases sufficient to enter, edit and report data. Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance, training and to achieve cooperation and collaboration with clients, peers, and staff; to work in team settings; and to manage conflict. Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse stakeholder groups. Preferred Qualification Advanced degree in wildlife management, ecology, zoology, conservation biology, or closely related natural resource major. Experience in writing land use or management planning documents such as a wildlife management area plan, species recovery plan, etc. Experience in grant development, implementation, budget management and reporting. Experience speaking and giving presentations to diverse audiences. Ability to use traditional and social media to reach the public with conservation messages. 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 Christine Herwig 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 Victoria Hansen 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.