Job Information
State of Minnesota Regional Nongame Specialist - NR Spec Sr Eco Svcs in Bemidji, Minnesota
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 (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 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.
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
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.