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Wildlife Research Biologist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife Research
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 94437
  • Location: Glenwood
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Limited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 06/10/2026
  • Closing Date: 06/30/2026
  • 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: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
  • Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.96 / hourly; $51,761 - $75,084 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • Anticipated Start Date: 08/15/2026
  • Anticipated End Date: 08/14/2029
  • 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 Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Wildlife Research Biologist. This position will be located in Glenwood, Minnesota. Travel will be required for field data collection (various sites) and to attend meetings. Travel to Madelia, Minnesota will be required on a regular basis for meetings and equipment preparation. 

This position exists to perform professional wildlife research work, and specifically to assist the Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group (FaWPRG) Ungulate Research Scientist 2 (RS2) in planning, organizing, and implementing statewide projects on white-tailed deer (including leading temporary/seasonal employees in conducting research, collecting data, managing data, analyzing data, evaluating new technology, and other necessary tasks). The primary project associated with this position is a new deer movement and survival study based in western Minnesota.

Responsibilities include: 

  • Assist the FaWPRG Ungulate RS2 in designing original wildlife research and survey projects on ungulate ecology (especially white-tailed deer) to increase scientific knowledge applicable to wildlife management by determining needs, planning investigations, and formulating hypotheses or tests.
  • Conduct wildlife research by maintaining field and laboratory equipment, making field decisions, and leading the work of others so that objectives stated in project proposals are met and valid findings are reported.
  • Participate in the analysis and evaluation of research findings by inputting, proofing, summarizing, and interpreting data according to appropriate ecological, wildlife, and statistical principles.
  • Assist in the preparation of agency progress reports, final reports, and publications by analyzing data, organizing material, and putting it into report or manuscript format.
  • Assist with advancing the technology of wildlife science in Minnesota by remaining current in wildlife and other biological sciences, statistical design and analyses, and computer applications.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

Transcript Evaluation:

  • A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/biology.
  • One (1) course in each: chemistry or physics; statistics; communication; and ecology. 
  • At least four (4) additional wildlife or ecology, or related courses, such as animal or plant taxonomy, comparative anatomy or physiology, soils or geology, mammalogy, ornithology, parasitology, etc. 

AND

  • Bachelor's degree in Wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.
  • Knowledge of wildlife biology, ecology, statistics, and field research methodologies sufficient to collect, summarize, analyze, and interpret wildlife research data.
  • Work experience navigating terrain over distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
  • Ability to work independently and resolve problems with minimal supervision.
  • Strong written and interpersonal communication skills sufficient to collaborate with research partners, landowners, and the public, and to document and communicate research results through appropriate formats (e.g., agency reports, presentations).
  • Experience using Excel and Access to enter, proof, query, and summarize wildlife research data.
  • Experience planning, organizing, and maintaining field equipment.
  • Organizational skills necessary for planning and creating work schedules, including field data collection schedules.
  • Technical skills in ArcGIS and R sufficient to manage, analyze, and visualize wildlife research data.
  • Experience with locating and monitoring wildlife using both radiotelemetry and GPS (e.g., GPS collars).
  • Experience with ungulate trapping, handling, and biological sample collection, including the preparation, organization, storage, and processing of wildlife data and tissue samples.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Wildlife or equivalent field with emphasis on field research with ungulates.
  • Experience with using R to clean, manipulate, and analyze data.
  • Experience with using ArcGIS or ArcPro.
  • Experience working independently and resolving problems without direct supervision.
  • Experience working outdoors in a variety of adverse weather and environmental conditions.
  • Experience with identifying anatomy and conducting field necropsies of ungulates.

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 Dr. Nicole Davros at nicole.davros@state.mn.us or 507-578-8916.

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.