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Natural Resources Technician Wildlife

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
 Job Class: Parks and Trails Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 78490
  • Location: Bemidji
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 09/25/2024
  • Closing Date: 10/15/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
  • Travel Required: Yes (60% Overnight Travel)
  • Salary Range: $23.26 - $32.79 / hourly; $48,567 - $68,466 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit: 207-Technical / AFSCME
  • Work Area: Lake Bemidji State Park
  • FLSA: Non-exempt
  • 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 two (2) permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician-Wildlife, position based out of Bemidji, MN. Days of work are Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

This position requires overnight travel 60% of the time and performs resource management across the northwest region of Minnesota. 

This position exists to provide technical and para-professional conservation support to professional District Resource Specialists (NR Park Specialist Senior – Resource Management) and/or PAT Regional Resource Supervisor (NR Supervisor-Ecological Services) as well as unit managers and other staff. This position assists in protecting, planning, implementing, directing, and evaluating the natural habitat & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails in the Northwest region.

The position serves as lead worker for the NW Resource Crew laborers and B&Gs in the safe operation and maintenance of equipment, vehicles, tools, supplies, buildings, shop, and public land facilities. The position also assists in wildlife habitat project development and maintenance, wildlife & habitat census and survey, disease surveillance and nuisance animal response.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Protect Resources: Implement approved projects and conduct other natural/cultural resource management program activities on lands administered by the Parks and Trails Division in the Northwest Region so that program goals are met, and natural/cultural resources are preserved, restored, and maintained.
  • Lead Crews: Direct the work of laborers, MN Conservation Corps (CCM) crews, Sentenced to Service (STS), student workers, interns, and other staff or volunteers in an efficient, safe, and effective manner so that Resource Management Program objectives are achieved.
  • Planning: Assist the DRS and/or RRS or unit managers in developing comprehensive and project specific plans for accomplishing division resource management objectives.
  • Fleet: To operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of, heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment, and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment and in top operating condition at all times.
  • Field Data: Provide inventory, documentation, and survey of plant and animal species and natural communities so that better information regarding species and natural community diversity and abundance so that program achievements can be tracked, analyzed, and described.
  • Administrative: Complete logistics tasks and other duties as assigned in order that the resource team functions efficiently and effectively, crew and equipment travel between projects efficiently and safely, and tasks and projects are completed in a safe manner.

This job will require strenuous manual labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, moving, pushing, pulling, and ascending/descending, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. This job requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain. It requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level). Applicant must have ability to efficiently communicate in a loud/challenging environment (When conducting burns, using equipment, etc.). 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Position requires a Class A license, passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
  • Associates Degree in Wildlife or equivalent natural resource field with wildlife coursework emphasis. Examples of course work could be GIS, Ecology, Forestry, etc.
  • Applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Resources related field with wildlife coursework emphasis (i. e. at least 3 related Wildlife courses) may also qualify. 
  • Knowledge and skills in basic equipment maintenance and repair with tools and equipment (e.g., chain saws, brush saws, tractors, skid-steers or tracked loaders, ATVs / UTV's, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, Kestrel weather meter, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc).
  • Technical experience and skills in natural resource management and restoration.
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology, botany, and native plant community restoration.
  • Knowledge of invasive species identification and control. 
  • Ability to understand and interpret biological data.
  • Ability to identify common native and non-native plants.
  • Ability to apply herbicide's safely and appropriately. 
  • Ability to become certified as a basic firefighter (FFT2) within 1 year. 
  • Ability to become certified as Faller 2 sawyer within 4 years. 
  • Ability to interpret aerial photos, create field maps, and maintain field notes.
  • Ability to understand and effectively use computer hardware and software for digital data management, GIS applications, programs for word processing, and spreadsheets,
  • Ability to do physically demanding work, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
  • Oral communication skills sufficient to inform public and provide general information on DNR regulations, management, and policies.
  • Ability to direct the work of others and to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Class A license.
  • Prescribed burn experience
  • Current certification as a Basic Firefighter (FFT2) or above
  • Successful completion of prescribed burn training including MRXI2, and courses/open task book supporting MRXB2 or higher qualifications.
  • Experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
  • Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
  • Experience and training in the safe and efficient use of power saws. Certification S-212, NWCG Faller 2 or equivalent.
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Working knowledge of the organizational functions and objectives of the Division of Parks and Trails.
  • General understanding of the MN Dept. of Natural Resources and functions of the major organizational units.

Additional Requirements

·        This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment.  The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program.

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. 

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

·       Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

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 Cindy Lueth at cindy.lueth@state.mn.us or 218-308-2655.

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 Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@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 

o   Fertility care, including IVF

o   Diabetes care

o   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.