Technician - Tech Wildlife

Working Title: SNA Technician Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers Date Posted: 03/14/2024 Closing Date: 04/03/2024 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 - Field Work and Trainings. Salary Range: $22.26 - $31.38 / hourly; $46,478 - $65,521 / annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - AFSCME Work Area: Windom Area FLSA Status: Nonexempt 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.
The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire two (2) SNA Technician located in Windom. These positions serve as the SNA Technician and exists to provide technical support in carrying out natural resource management and development activities on private and public lands administered by the Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Program primarily in the DNR Southern Region; including those lands enrolled in Prairie Bank, Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) Prairies at Risk, Prairie Tax Exemption, dedicated SNA's or other lands administered by the SNA Program Responsibilities: Provide technical and operational support in the restoration, maintenance and enhancement of prairie, forest and wetland natural communities on any of the Southern Region Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, LIP, and other lands administrated by the SNA Program as directed or assigned so that important sites are protected and work plan goals, policies and procedures are fulfilled. Develop and maintain public use facilities such as parking lots, roads, signs, gates and fences to protect the natural resources and promote appropriate public activities on Southern Region Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, LIP, and other lands administered by the SNA Program. Conduct assigned natural resource management tasks on specified Southern Region Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, LIP and other lands administered by the SNA Program and other tasks as assigned to maintain and improve native plant and animal communities and prevent and correct damage or nuisance problems. Participate as a member of a burn crew in spring and fall and occasionally participate in other management and development projects in other regions of the state. Direct the work of laborers, volunteers, CCM crew or other temporary crews in the operation and repair of equipment, in providing assistance to other staff and in establishing and maintaining natural resource and facilities on Southern Region Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, LIP, and other lands administered by the SNA Program. Collaborate in administration of management and records so that resource management is smoothly, safely, and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, and legal mandates. Participate as assigned in employee information and training programs and other educational opportunities that will ensure employee safety, enhance employee work performance, and assure proper use of equipment. The SNA Technician must have the ability to perform hard physical labor for extended and irregular periods of time, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather. This physical labor includes digging, lifting, shoveling, hauling, carrying, bending, pushing, climbing, and walking on uneven terrain. Additionally, The SNA Technician must be willing and able to operate commonly used equipment used in natural resource management such as (chain saws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, boats, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.). 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 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. Minimum Qualifications Associate degree in wildlife, natural resource management, ecology, or related field. OR One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire techniques and methods; operation of equipment commonly used in natural resource management such as trucks, skid steers, and chainsaws; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others. Position requires a Class A – Commercial Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment. Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology, natural resource management and restoration, and prescribed burning sufficient to recommend, create, and implement management plans. Ability to make recommendations on all facets of natural resource development, management, planning and fieldwork. Knowledge of invasive plants and control methods sufficient to identify potential invasive species treatment needs and implement appropriate control methods. Familiarity with common equipment used in natural resource management (chain saws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, boats, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.) sufficient to make recommendations on equipment needed to conduct natural resource management. Ability to interpret and understand aerial photos and biological data, create field maps, and maintain field notes. Demonstrated skills in the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ArcMap/ArcPro, sufficient to perform spatial analysis, create map products, and maintain data on work accomplishments. Communication and comprehension skills sufficient to understand and carry out oral and written directions, accurately compile survey data, produce reports, and develop management and project plans. Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities. Ability to work in team settings and manage conflict. Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies. Experience conducting prescribed burns. Certified as a prescribed fire burn boss. Class A – Commercial Driver's License. Additional Requirements This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. 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 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 Gieseke 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.