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Aquatic Invasive Species Management Consultant

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Aquatic Invasive Species Management Consultant
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 81755
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 11/14/2024
  • Closing Date: 12/05/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, occasionally for meetings
  • Salary Range: $35.43 - $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 - $109,682 / 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 position exists to provide leadership and coordination with intra- and interagency partners to develop, plan, direct, implement, and fund Aquatic Invasive Species management actions that the Department's goals of sustainable resource management and protection of biodiversity on all waters are met. Responsibilities include:

  • Provide leadership in the development and implementation of policy, strategies, technical guidance, and funding needs that support a comprehensive framework for the management of aquatic invasive species in Minnesota in cooperation with intra- and interagency partners.
  • Provide statewide program direction and coordination to Invasive Species Specialists and other DNR staff and external stakeholders regarding management of aquatic invasive species. 
  • Provide guidance to the aquatic invasive species management grants program.
  • Provide leadership and coordination with partners to identify and fund research needs. Support development, evaluation and implementation of new scientifically based prevention and control methods of aquatic invasive species.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, aquatic biology, or closely related field.
  • Four years of professional experience in natural resource management, ecological restoration, or invasive species management in aquatic or wetland systems (an advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience).
  • At least one year of work experience applying methods to control aquatic invasive plants and/or animals.
  • At least one year of experience in planning and implementing monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of natural resource management projects using scientifically rigorous methods. 
  • Knowledge of aquatic plant field survey techniques sufficient to apply them in the field.
  • Knowledge of methods and technologies used to control aquatic invasive species in Minnesota sufficient to make recommendations about management strategies and to assess their effectiveness.
  • Communication, presentation, and public speaking skills to synthesize and explain complex biological information and policy to diverse audiences, stakeholder groups, and the media.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with diverse interests, build constructive teams, cultivate and maintain strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and effectively bring together people to accomplish common objectives.
  • Project management and time management skills sufficient to prioritize multiple assignments, manage complex efforts simultaneously, and ensure timely completion of projects.
  • Software proficiency with MS Office products and Geographic Information Systems sufficient to produce communications, presentations, and analyze map data.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in ecology, biology, aquatic biology, or closely related field.
  • Ability to identify native and nonnative aquatic plants in Minnesota.
  • Experience in writing technical reports for state, federal, or other agencies.
  • Ability to effectively use GIS software and GPS equipment.
  • Knowledge of State and Federal pesticide laws sufficient to comply with them and provide guidance to others on their implementation.
  • Knowledge of Minnesota regulations related to aquatic plant management and aquatic invasive species management and prevention.

Additional Requirements

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.

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 Kelly Pennington at kelly.pennington@state.mn.us or 651-245-0859.

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 Lucas Schulze at lucas.schulze@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
  • Tuition reimbursement <Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for tuition reimbursement>
  • 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.