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Deer Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 91616
  • Location: St. Paul; Bemidji; Grand Rapids; Rochester; New Ulm
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 02/25/2026
  • Closing Date: 03/17/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife / Big Game Program
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes - Up to 20% of the time
  • Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/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

 

The DNR is currently seeking a NR Program Coordinator to assist the Big Game Program Supervisor in the administration and implementation of a statewide program focused on deer, elk, and moose management, policy, and stakeholder engagement. This position will assist in the collection and dissemination of data; the development of regulations, legislative proposals, and strategic plans; provide consultation and coordination to land and wildlife managers, tribal biologists, researchers, and enforcement officers; serve as a liaison with other agencies and groups; and provide information and education to the public. The Deer Coordinator may assist with development of big game program related content for the public and serve as a spokesperson and subject matter expert for the Big Game Program.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Assist the Big Game Program Supervisor in administration of big game seasons and regulatory process so that seasons are supported by enforceable rules and so that populations are sustained at appropriate levels.  Assist Big Game Program Supervisor in harvest reporting, big game related webpage content, and regulations booklet development.
  • Assist with implementation of the Minnesota White-tailed Deer Management Plan, the 2016 Office of Legislative Auditors (OLA) evaluation of Minnesota deer population management, and the 2019 Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan. 
  • Assist with big game stakeholder input needs, including the Deer Advisory Committee, and serve as big game program subject matter expert and spokesperson for the DNR on big game program related issues.

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 an annual telework agreement. 

The selected candidate will have the option to report to one of the following locations: Saint Paul, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Rochester, or New Ulm, MN. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, or closely related field.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience in assessing biological or human dimensions data to coordinate and/or develop recommendations for the management of wildlife populations.
  • Human relations skills sufficient to coordinate and achieve cooperation with the public, peers, and staff.
  • Skills to direct colleagues and teams; plan, manage, and implement projects and programs with tight deadlines.
  • Skills to effectively communicate with others, using appropriate style as necessary to further program objectives when not all staff or stakeholders are supportive.
  • Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences including the public, colleagues, and superiors.
  • Ability to work with others to achieve a common objective, including conflict resolution skills. 
  • Database management skills sufficient to manipulate, analyze, and develop databases for biological and human dimensions data related to the big game program.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, public health, or closely related field.
  • Experience in state, federal, or tribal wildlife agency collecting and assessing biological and human dimensions data to develop management and/or regulatory recommendations for cervid populations.
  • Experience with high profile and controversial big game management issues.
  • Extensive knowledge of white-tailed deer, elk, and moose population biology, natural history, and management issues in North America.
  • Experience coordinating projects with state agency or other organizational staff.
  • Experience with media interviews, public and staff presentations, and communicating with public about controversial topics.

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 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 Barbara Keller at Barbara.Keller@state.mn.us or 651-259-5198.

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