State of Minnesota Jobs

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State of Minnesota MBS Vegetation Classification Coordinator - Natural Resources Program Coordinator in St. Paul, Minnesota

Working Title: Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Job Class: MBS Vegetation Classification Coordinator

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID : 76645

  • Location : St. Paul

  • Telework Eligible : Yes

  • Full/Part Time : Part-Time; 80%

  • Regular/Temporary : Limited

  • Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

  • Date Posted : 5/11/2024

  • Closing Date : 6/3/2024

  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

  • Division/Unit : DNR Ecological & Water Resources

  • Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

  • Days of Work : Monday - Friday

  • Travel Required : Yes, some statewide

  • Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually

  • Classified Status : Unclassified

  • Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE

  • End Date : 06/30/2027

  • FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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.

This position will coordinate a 3-year grant-funded project to update the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Native Plant Community (NPC) Classification system through partnerships, field data collection, analysis, and product development as directed by the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) Program. The NPC Classification system is used throughout the state by DNR, external partners, students, researchers, teachers, and the public as the go-to reference on the State’s natural habitats and plant communities. The position is equal parts project manager, data analyst, field biologist, and product developer. Responsibilities include:

  • Manage and coordinate a large complex project involving by multiple DNR Divisions and external government, NGO, and research partners.

  • Project manager for the Native Plant Community Classification grant to produce and deliver updated classification products for the DNR Native Plant Community Classification v3.0.

  • Organize, host, and lead collaborative meetings and events among team members.

  • Solicit, manage, and respond to stakeholder comments and inputs.

  • Create and manage large contracts to obtain field-based data.

  • Form and manage internal and external project teams to help guide and deliver on the outcomes of the NPC grant.

  • Identify relevant sources of data and guide data collection, iterative data analysis and review, and develop and review final products.

  • Work with project teams to design field projects, develop methods, and set priorities.

  • Work with project teams to complete targeted field work throughout the state for two field seasons to gather high priority vegetation plot and environmental data.

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

This position will require statewide travel for fieldwork and partner events.

This position is currently funded for three years with an anticipated project end date of 6/30/2027.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, Forestry, or closely related field.

  • Three years professional experience conducting field-based plant community survey, monitoring, or research projects.

  • Experience assembling, analyzing, and interpreting ecological plant species or community and associated environmental data.

  • Three years of experience using the DNR native plant community classification system in professional contexts or for professional applications.

  • Project management skills sufficient to manage complex efforts simultaneously, oversee contracts, and plan, track, and coordinate resources to ensure timely completion of projects.

  • Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills sufficient to translate highly technical information for a variety of audiences and stakeholder groups.

  • Interpersonal skills to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders to accomplish common objectives.

  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite, data management, and desktop and in-field Geographic Information Systems (e.g. ArcMap).

  • Experience working with diverse individuals and groups (e.g. community organizations, educators, universities, and state and local agencies).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Ecology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Forestry or closely related field.

  • Five years professional experience conducting field-based plant community survey, monitoring, or research projects.

  • Five years professional experience using and applying the DNR native plant community classification.

  • Experience writing contract solicitations and technical specifications for ecological data collection.

  • Knowledge of multi-variate statistical techniques (e.g., ordinations, indicator species analysis, cluster analysis).

  • Experience creating large, technical products for publication (e.g., field guides).

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check

  • SEMA4 Records Check

  • Criminal History Check

  • Conflict of Interest Review

  • Education/license 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.

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