JOB SUMMARY

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) NR Technician Wildlife position located in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Days of work are Monday through Friday, hours of work are 8:00am - 4:30pm. This position exists to provide technical and para-professional support to professional District Resource Specialists (NR Park Specialist Senior – Resource Management) and/or Regional Resource Management Supervisor (RRMS), as well as unit managers and other staff. This position assists in planning, conducting, directing and evaluating the natural & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails (PAT) in District 4 of the Northeast Region, with occasional work assignments in other districts within the NE Region.
This position will help to maintain and restore wildlife habitats and native plant communities with a focus on working safely and maintaining vehicles, tools, and supplies.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implement approved projects and conduct other natural/cultural resource management program activities on lands administered by the Parks and Trails Division in the Northeast Region so that program goals are met and natural/cultural resources are preserved, restored, and maintained.
• Direct the work of Parks and Trails laborers, MN Conservation Corps (CCM) crews, Sentenced to Service (STS), student workers, interns, and other staff or volunteers in an efficient, safe and effective manner so that Resource Management Program objectives are achieved.
• Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
• Assist in developing comprehensive and project specific plans for accomplishing division resource management objectives.
• Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of, heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
• Provide inventory, documentation, and survey of plant and animal species and natural communities so that better information regarding species and natural community diversity and abundance so that program achievements can be tracked, analyzed, and described.
• Complete logistics tasks and other duties as assigned in order that the resource team functions efficiently and effectively, crew and equipment travel between projects efficiently and safely, and tasks and projects are completed in a safe manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates Degree in Wildlife, ecology, natural resource management or equivalent field with an emphasis in wildlife coursework (at least 3 classes). Examples of course work could be GIS, Ecology, Forestry, etc.
• Knowledge and skills in basic equipment maintenance and repair for tools and equipment such as power saws, vehicles, ATV’s, UTVs, sprayers, seeders, snowmobiles, tractors, boats, trailers, fire equipment, skid steers and attachments, and power and hand tools.
• Ability to safely operate, transport, and use heavy equipment, trucks, and trailers. Must be able to demonstrate ability, pass all required training, and complete all position task books for trailers, boats, snowmobile, ATV, UTV, dozer/crawlers, skid steers with attachments, chain saw, and tracked vehicle.
• One season of prescribed burn or wildfire suppression experience.
• Knowledge of identification and management of common native and non-native plants.
• Ability to interpret aerial maps, understand/interpret biological data, create field maps, and maintain field notes using tablets and mobile devices.
• Ability to understand and effectively use computer hardware and software for digital data management, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications (e.g., ArcPro, EDDMapS), and programs for word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
• Ability to obtain Category A & J MN Non-Commercial Pesticide applicators license within 6 months of hire.
• Completion of Wildland Firefighter Training (S-130/190) to become certified as a Basic Firefighter (FFT2).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s Degree or four years of related experience. Degrees should be in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife or a related field.
• Current certification as a Basic Firefighter (FFT2) or above.
• Knowledge of forest management and silviculture techniques.
• Experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
• Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
• Experience and training in the safe and efficient operation of power saws (DNR Basic Power Saw training, also S-212 or equivalent).
• Experience directing the work of others, leading field crews, and overseeing contractors.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate with a wide variety of natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers in both office and field settings.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

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 CheckLicense / Certification Verification

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need

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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implement approved projects and conduct other natural/cultural resource management program activities on lands administered by the Parks and Trails Division in the Northeast Region so that program goals are met and natural/cultural resources are preserved, restored, and maintained.
• Direct the work of Parks and Trails laborers, MN Conservation Corps (CCM) crews, Sentenced to Service (STS), student workers, interns, and other staff or volunteers in an efficient, safe and effective manner so that Resource Management Program objectives are achieved.
• Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
• Assist in developing comprehensive and project specific plans for accomplishing division resource management objectives.
• Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of, heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
• Provide inventory, documentation, and survey of plant and animal species and natural communities so that better information regarding species and natural community diversity and abundance so that program achievements can be tracked, analyzed, and described.
• Complete logistics tasks and other duties as assigned in order that the resource team functions efficiently and effectively, crew and equipment travel between projects efficiently and safely, and tasks and projects are completed in a safe manner