Senior Assistant Area Wildlife Manager

Senior Assistant Area Wildlife Manager 
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 81750
• Location: Grand Rapids
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/27/2024
• Closing Date: 12/17/2024
• 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, occasionally
• Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota’s natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.

The DNR is currently seeking a Senior Assistant Area Wildlife Manager in Grand Rapids, MN. This position exists to plan and implement area wildlife programs and activities within the Grand Rapids Wildlife Work Area to protect and enhance wildlife populations, habitats, and facilities for their intrinsic value and for the benefit of all citizens of Minnesota. Grand Rapids wildlife staff oversee an area that includes approx. 3.7 million acres of public and private land in Itasca County and portions of Koochiching and Cass counties. These lands include 20 state Wildlife Management Areas totaling approx. 28,000 acres, five state game refuges, and four designated waterfowl feeding and resting areas.  This Senior level position is also responsible for managing and operating the Mud Lake dam in coordination with federal and tribal partners, coordinating the Interagency Prescribed Burn Partnership, and leading the management of the two largest Wildlife Management Areas in the work area, Mud Goose WMA, and Morph Meadows WMA.

Responsibilities include:
 

• Plan, direct, and implement habitat management projects on Wildlife Management Areas and other public and private lands using ecosystem-based management concepts. Plan, develop, maintain, repair, and improve facilities on Wildlife Management Areas and other managed lands.
  Collaborate closely with four DNR Forestry Areas (Backus, Bemidji, Deer River, and Littlefork); Cass, Koochiching, and Itasca County land managers; timber managers; Chippewa National Forest; Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; forest wildlife coordinators; and other natural resource specialists to promote forest coordination and management practices that create, maintain, and improve forest wildlife habitat on public and private lands.
• Lead implementation of Area wildlife population management programs and wildlife surveys in a manner that is consistent with the Section of Wildlife goals and objectives. Manage wildlife populations so that appropriate levels are achieved to maintain viable populations, provide recreational opportunities, and minimize conflicts.
• Effectively communicate wildlife management work and needs to gain public understanding and support for wildlife management programs. Promote and explain DNR policies, regulations, and programs; disseminate information to other agencies, news media, and the public. Inform people on wildlife and habitat needs, and answer wildlife-related questions.
• Perform fiscal and other administrative activities for the Wildlife Area so that priority habitat and facility management activities are completed according to desired time schedules. Lead the work of Area staff so that safe and efficient operation is maintained. Assist with financial and other planning and reporting. Demonstrate accountability to Department personnel and interested stakeholders by adhering to Department policies and guidelines.

This position requires the ability to perform strenuous physical labor, work in hot, smoky conditions, travel long distances transporting up to 50 pounds of fire gear, and periodically work long days while performing prescribed burn operations, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. This job requires walking to a significant degree on rough terrain. It requires the ability to walk 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level within 6 months of employment). 

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. 

• Bachelor's degree or Advanced level degree in Wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.
• Transcript requirement:
  • A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/wildlife 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. 
• Three (3) years of professional level (e.g., NR Specialist) wildlife and/or habitat management experience sufficient to implement habitat management projects and plans, contracts, facility development, and maintenance duties in a Wildlife Area.
• Lead worker skills sufficient to plan and direct the work of others, mentor staff, develop and conduct training, and ensure safe operations.
• Experience managing forest, brushland, wetland, and wild rice habitats for wildlife.
• Experience planning and implementing prescribed fire as a habitat management tool.
• Experience writing contracts for wildlife habitat or facility projects and overseeing contractors and/or work crews.
• Experience in coordination and collaboration with outside partners and agencies. 
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Writing skills sufficient to communicate work programs, project proposals, accomplishment reports, survey results, hunting season data, and correspondence.
• Technical knowledge of wildlife species identification, common terrestrial and aquatic plant identification, habitat relationships, food habits, animal behavior, parasites and disease, life histories, and reproductive potential.
• Project management skills sufficient to oversee the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of projects using available staff, tools, and equipment to ensure the protection of wildlife and habitats.
• Ability to perform required field work alone.
• Ability to safely operate and transport equipment, including hand and power tools. Must be able to demonstrate ability, pass all required training, and complete all position task books for (but not limited to) trailers, boats, snowmobile, ATV, UTV, tractors with attachments, chain saw, brush saw, and tracked vehicle.
• Knowledge of wildlife census/survey techniques and their limitations.
• Knowledge of wildlife depredation and abatement techniques.
• Skills and experience using computers, GPS units, and associated computer programs including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, and GIS mapping software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree or advanced level degree in wildlife biology or related field.
• Knowledge of hunting and trapping traditions, methods, and regulations.
• Experience with forest management, forest ecology, and silviculture practices.
• Certified in the application of pesticides for invasive species management.
• Experience with various water control structures, lake/wetland ecology, and wetland restoration practices.
• Experience advising private landowners on wildlife and habitat management techniques.
• Experience using citizen participation, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques.
• Experience with wildlife depredation and abatement techniques.
• Experience using ArcGIS for mapping and evaluating wildlife habitats.
• A working knowledge of other disciplines such as fisheries, forestry, forest ecology, shallow lakes management, soil conservation, and hydrology to guide the development of partnerships and projects.
• Qualified as a:
  • MFIRB (Minnesota Firing Boss – Minnesota DNR standards) or State/NWCG equivalent.
  • MRXB3 (Minnesota Burn Boss Type 3) or State/NWCG equivalent.
  • MRXB2 (Minnesota Burn Boss Type 2) or State/NWCG equivalent.

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 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 Dawn Plattner at dawn.plattner@state.mn.us or 218-328-8864.

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.