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Scientific and Natural Areas Management Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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cientific and Natural Areas Management Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 96030
  • Location: Windom
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 08/07/2026
  • Closing Date: 09/01/2026
  • 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 - Up to 25% of the time
  • Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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 Division of Ecological and Water resources is seeking to fill one (1) permanent full-time Scientific and Natural Areas Management Specialist position located in Windom, Minnesota. This position exists to protect and enhance native plant and animal communities on land in the DNR Southern Region especially Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs).

Responsibilities include:

  • Function as the local point-of-contact for site-specific concerns regarding State Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) in the Southern Region; identify management needs; and plan and implement habitat enhancement projects on SNAs so that important sites and their natural resource values are protected and work plan goals, policies, and procedures are fulfilled.
  • Direct and supervise prescribed burns on lands managed by the Division in the Southern Region and assist with other cooperative prescribed burn efforts safely and according to plans so that the natural communities and native species present are enhanced and not jeopardized.
  • Seek protection and assist in acquisition of priority lands to be designated as Scientific and Natural Areas, established as NAR sites, or enrolled in other appropriate land conservation programs so that rare resources, native biodiversity, healthy watersheds, and natural ecological systems are protected.
  • Coordinate and perform public engagement, outreach, education, and information activities on SNAs, to promote understanding and support for rare resources and natural lands protection and management in the Southern Region.
  • Direct (as lead worker) day-to-day operations of the field crew, assist with budget management (as well as maintaining data in AMSD), carry out administrative duties and participate in division, department, region, interagency, and other committees and task forces addressing prairie natural areas protection, conservation, or department administrative/business activities.

The SNA Management Specialist must have the ability to perform hard physical labor for extended and irregular periods of time, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather. This physical labor includes digging, lifting, shoveling, carrying, bending, pushing, climbing, and walking on uneven terrain. Additionally, the incumbent must be willing and able to operate commonly used equipment such as chainsaws, GPS, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, seeders, chemical sprayers, and mowers.

 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in ecology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related major.
  • Three (3) years of professional level experience designing and implementing terrestrial habitat assessments and/or habitat management including developing goals and objectives, implementing actions, and monitoring/reporting. **An advanced degree in one of the majors listed above may substitute for one year of experience**
  • Knowledge of prairie and forest ecology relevant to the habitat types present in southern Minnesota and a working knowledge of management, restoration, and reconstruction practices necessary to maintain these communities. This includes experience with chainsaws and wildland fire (prescribed or suppression).
  • Ability to identify common grasses and flowers, native and invasive, of southern Minnesota and the ability to interpret air photos.
  • Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies sufficient to make recommendations on all facets of natural resource development, management, planning, and fieldwork.
  • Demonstrated skills in the use of computers and software including word-processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation (PowerPoint), and GIS (ArcGIS Pro). 
  • Skills in communication sufficient to write and provide technical information and guidance to various audiences including natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers.
  • Skills in leadership sufficient to direct field crews and carry out development, management, outreach, and protection activities.
  • Skills in organization, time management, and obtaining information from a wide variety of sources sufficient to prepare management plans.
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and work with a diversity of people in a variety of situations. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in ecology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related major.
  • Knowledge of the flora of Minnesota, geology, or soil science.
  • Knowledge of common invasive species treatment methods.
  • Demonstrated skills in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) particularly ArcMap/ArcPro sufficient to create maps, interpret aerial photos, and perform spatial analyses.
  • MN DNR Faller 2 Powersaw Certification.
  • Advanced fire qualifications such as Minnesota Burn Boss Type 2 (MRXB2)
  • Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator license in Category A and J.

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 Brad Bolduan at brad.bolduan@state.mn.us or 507-822-3592.

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 Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@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.