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Grassland Restoration Specialist-Natural Resources Sp. Ecological Services

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Working Title: Grassland Restoration Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 77632
  • Location: Central or Southwest Minnesota
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 08/09/2024
  • Closing Date: 08/15/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
  • Division/Unit: DNR Fish and Wildlife / Prairie Habitat
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes; to field sites during summer months
  • Salary Range: $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,989 - $73,978 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Re-Posting: Yes
  • 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 seeking to fill up to two (2) Grassland Restoration Specialist positions to support grassland restoration activities that are funded through the Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) by evaluating and analyzing the plant community composition of grassland restorations. This information will then be used to inform future restoration efforts in an adaptive management framework. This position will also aid Area Wildlife staff and Operations staff in developing future OHF funded restoration projects.  

Responsibilities include:

  • Assess and evaluate the plant community on OHF-funded grassland restorations to determine the diversity and richness of these communities.
  • Assist Area Wildlife supervisors and staff to manage projects on OHF-funded restoration sites from development to completion, as well as develop restoration plans for newly identified sites.
  • Survey Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Aquatic Management Areas (AMAs), Scientific Natural Areas (SNAs), and other state, federal, and private (easement) lands to identify future OHF funded restoration/enhancement efforts, including brome-dominated areas or areas planted with native grass monocultures or non-local-ecotype seed decades ago.

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. The preferred work location is an existing DNR office located in Central, Western or Southern Minnesota.  The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.
 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management, or closely related field.
  • Knowledge of and ability to identify prairie plants by their vegetative and floral parts or key out unidentified plants.
  • Knowledge of natural areas management, community ecology, land management planning, prescribed fire techniques, and grassland restoration/reconstruction sufficient to make recommendations on all facets of grassland management planning and implementation, development, and field work.
  • Demonstrated skills in the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) particularly ArcMap/ArcPro, sufficient to perform spatial analysis, create map products, and collect, maintain and analyze data on work accomplishments.
  • Communication skills sufficient to provide technical information and guidance to natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers through presentations at professional meetings, to local groups, and in writing.
  • Ability to obtain and synthesize information from a wide variety of sources sufficient to write restoration and post-restoration management plans.
  • Ability to solve problems associated with habitat management projects, including equipment breakdowns, materials procurement, safety concerns, and weather-related limitations.
  • Ability to prepare project budgets, work plans, and other planning and fiscal documents.
  • Ability to learn to use tools and equipment utilized for grassland restoration (e.g., ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.)
  • Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and requirements relating to state and federally listed species.
  • Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
  • Ability to work in team settings and manage conflict.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's or advanced degree in biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management, or closely related field.
  • Experience with developing plant monitoring protocols and analysis of data.
  • Experience with grassland management and, prescribed fire, and planting methods.
  • Experience with grassland restoration/reconstruction methods sufficient to make recommendations on all facets of grassland management planning and implementation, development, and field work.

 

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. 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 job information line 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 Greg Hoch at greg.hoch@state.mn.us or 651-259-5230.

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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.