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Natural Resources Specialist 3 Conservation Officer Special Investigator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Natural Resources Specialist 3 Conservation Officer Special Investigator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 89029
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full- Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 10/23/2025
  • Closing Date: 11/12/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: DNR Enforcement Central Office 
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $41.94 - $57.38 / hourly; $87,571 - $119,809
  • Classified Status: Classified 
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 201 - MN Law Enforcement Assn/ Law Enf
  • 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.

Job Summary

 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Enforcement Division is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Natural Resources Specialist 3 Conservation Officer Special Investigator. The position exists to identify, investigate, apprehend, and prosecute major commercial and/or habitual violators of natural resource laws, and to support MN DNR field staff and other agencies with investigative services. The primary focus of this position is to use specialized investigative methods and techniques for gathering evidence so that available facts and information relative to the crime are obtained. Develop probable cause for search warrants, author affidavits and coordinate the timely execution of the search warrants. Ability to respond to investigative requests / needs which may involve extensive in state and out of state travel. This position operates independent of day-to-day direct supervision. 

 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

A valid MN Peace Officer's License; be eligible to be licensed by the MN Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (P.O.S.T) prior to the time conditional offers are made; or complete basic police training and be certified as a full-time peace officer in a state or federal law enforcement agency with which Minnesota has reciprocity and pass the P.O.S.T. Board reciprocity exam by the time a conditional job offer is made. **To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly reflects your P.O.S.T. certification. If not currently licensed, your resume must include the date in which you anticipate becoming licensed. **

Two (2) years of experience as a Natural Resources Law Enforcement officer - Conservation Officer or other law enforcement experience where the primary duties involved investigations. 

Successfully complete the Wildlife Investigations Covert Academy within twelve (12) months of hire.

Ability to work independently, make decisions, solve problems, and proactively identify and prioritize the investigative needs of the division.

Demonstrated strong working relationships with other natural resources agencies, law enforcement agencies, and prosecuting attorney's sufficient to ensure investigations are completed accurately and in a timely manner. 

Ability to effectively operate and communicate under stressful conditions sufficient to adapt while conducting overt, covert, and surveillance operations. 

Ability to operate, maintain, monitor, and train others using specialized investigative equipment, tools, and techniques. 

Utilize investigative methods to develop probable cause for search warrants, author affidavits and coordinate the timely execution of the search warrants. 

Effectively communicate legal and non-legal information to various customers/stakeholders. 

Demonstrated working knowledge, skill, and ability to investigate fish & wildlife commercial activities, sufficient to successfully recognize and document violations. 

Ability to complete investigative, monthly administrative, and expense reports accurately and in a timely manner. 

Ability and willingness to carry out the responsibilities of a licensed Peace Officer while performing the job in adverse weather and other environmental conditions and to work unusual, varying shifts including night shifts, weekends and holidays. 

No felony or gross misdemeanor conviction in Minnesota or crime in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in Minnesota. 

No other criminal convictions involving serious natural resource violations, crimes involving moral turpitude or two or more alcohol-related driving violations in the past ten years. No DWI, reckless or careless driving, or other serious driving violations within the last five (5) years. 

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated experience in successfully completing complex, long term law enforcement investigation(s) using both overt and covert methods of evidence collection. 

Ability to articulate and demonstrate how evidence can be collected during a complex long-term investigation. 

Demonstrated experience in obtaining and executing search warrants. 

Experience in assisting Conservation Officers from other states and other law enforcement agencies with obtaining evidence associated with their investigations. 

Knowledge of current laws related to conservation issues associated with the commercialization of our natural resources. 

Demonstrated ability to identify violations and execute a plan to investigate and prosecute the offenders. 

Experience in building relationships with different cultures. 

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. 

All 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 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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jeffery Denz at jeffery.denz@state.mn.us or 651-308-4555.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodations to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

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. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.