Aquatic Plant Habitat Specialist-Fisheries

Aquatic Plant Habitat Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 90863
• Location: Brainerd
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/18/2025
• Closing Date: 01/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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

This position functions as the DNR Commissioners’ delegate in administering aquatic habitat-related programs of the Department of Natural Resources, Section of Fisheries in a multi-county area that includes over 700 lakes and approximately 100 streams and rivers in Region 2.  This position primarily involves the Aquatic Plant Management Program (APM), interactions with planning and zoning officials from local government units that deal with shoreline development, assisting with the Shoreline Habitat Program (SHP), and other habitat-based projects within the DNR Northeast Region 2.  This position also aids other staff to protect, preserve, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat through the effective implementation of best management practices as they relate to fisheries management activities. The person in this position is the lead worker in planning and implementing the APM program, guiding staff at the Brainerd APM office. 

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

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

Transcript requirements:

A. Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. A minimum of 4 courses, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management.
B. Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
C. Physical sciences courses. Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours.
D. Mathematics and statistics courses. Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1 statistics course or 2statistics courses.
E. Communications courses. Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college).

*To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be 'C-' or higher.
**Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries Professional will be accepted in lieu of the required coursework.

Three (3) years of experience in fish management, aquatic ecosystems and habitat management, or other natural resource management field to sufficiently assess aquatic and riparian habitat for fish and wildlife benefits.

Ability to maintain and operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, etc.

Ability to identify native and non-native aquatic plants at various life stages.

Oral communication and writing skills sufficient to document draft management plans/reports.

Interpersonal skills demonstrated when representing region at interagency meetings.

Public relations skills sufficient to interact with and maintain effective working relationships with the public.

Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions on policy/program direction.

Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.

Computer literacy, including a demonstrated knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Preferred Qualifications

Exceptional human relations skills are necessary to effectively deal with a wide range of controversial and non-controversial issues involving lake/resort owner groups, tourism boards, watershed districts, local government units and the public.

Ability and skill to integrate high level of technical knowledge with sociological, political, and economic concerns; and in the context, communicate technical decisions and recommendations to peers, department managers, legislators, and the public.

A working knowledge of geology, hydrology, and agriculture is required along with the understanding of comprehensive and holistic inter-relationships which these subjects possess.

Technical knowledge of wetland, lake, river, and terrestrial habitat classification is essential as is a thorough knowledge of fish and wildlife species dependent upon these habitats.

Direct field experience working on native habitat restoration and coordination of plant management strategies.

Direct field experience with fish, wildlife, or plant surveys and assessments.

High level of technical experience in fish management and/or fish research programs.

Advanced GIS/GPS skills.

Strong, demonstrated technical writing skills.

Demonstrated knowledge of and occasionally contribute to state-of-the-art habitat improvement and/or mitigation techniques.

Ability to supervise the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate implementation strategies to ensure protection of fish, wildlife, native plant resources, and habitats.

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. 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. All job offers are contingent upon passing 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 Dave Weitzel at david.weitzel@state.mn.us or 218-328-8835. 

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 Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@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.