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Farmed and Feral Species Program Supervisor

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Farmed and Feral Species Program Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 83835
  • Location: Brainerd, St. Paul, Bemidji, Grand Rapids
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 02/06/2025
  • Closing Date: 02/26/2025
  • 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: $37.60 - $54.16 / hourly; $78,508 - $113,086 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
  • 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 Fish and Wildlife (FAW) is currently seeking a Farmed and Feral Species Program Supervisor. This position will administer and coordinate the Fish and Wildlife Division’s responsibilities related to farmed white-tailed deer management; game and fur farm regulations; and feral swine outreach, monitoring, and response. The Farmed and Feral Species Program Supervisor is the direct supervisor of staff engaged with regulation and oversight involving the commercial use of game, feral hogs and restricted species, fur farms, game farms, white-tailed deer farms and other emerging issues that pose a risk to Minnesota’s wildlife and game species in particular.

This new position will work closely with the DNR’s Division of Enforcement to regulate white-tailed deer, game and fur farms, including coordinating inspections, investigations, compliance, and other enforcement activities. The Farmed Deer and Feral  Species Program Supervisor will also serve as the DNR liaison with the Board of Animal Health (BAH) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on farmed cervid and restricted species issues and work closely with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS); the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA); the University of Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO); University of Minnesota – Extension, and the cervid, game and fur farm industries within Minnesota. 

The selected candidate will have the option to report to one of the following locations: Saint Paul, Brainerd, Bemidji, or Grand Rapids, MN. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection. 

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time or full-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. 

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Supervise the staff of the farmed and feral species program so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitably administered and employees under the Supervisor’s jurisdiction will effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve the annual and long-term objectives of the Section of Wildlife.
  • Administer and provide management and policy direction for the statewide farmed and feral species programs so they meet legal requirements and minimize risk of harm to wild game species and their habitats. Ensure that financial and other reporting is done correctly and on time. Coordinate closely with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and other state and federal agencies. 
  • Serve as the DNR lead regarding farmed and feral species regulations and communications. Identify communication and outreach priorities related to farmed and feral species, with an emphasis on farmed white-tailed deer, feral swine, and fur/game farms.
  • Direct fiscal and other administrative activities in the farmed and feral species program so that Section priority work is completed as planned/designed and according to desired time schedules.
     

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, natural resources, wildlife ecology, or closely related field.
  • 3 years of advanced professional experience in wildlife health or wildlife management, including responsibility for coordination of the planning, implementation, and evaluation of natural resources programs/research/staff of a significant area, region, or statewide scope. *An advanced degree in one of the fields listed above may substitute for 1 year of experience.
  • Two years of supervisory or lead work experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff; provide staff guidance and training; collaborate with conservation partners; resolve conflict in a positive manner; and generate public support.
  • Extensive knowledge of game species biology and wildlife ecology, management techniques and options, population dynamics, state and federal laws and regulations, and regulatory approaches.
  • Working knowledge of livestock or captive animal husbandry/management practices and operations.
  • Working knowledge of chronic wasting disease and ability to become familiar with other animal diseases that pose risks for wildlife, domestic animals, or people.
  • Knowledge of wildlife-related human dimensions issues including developing regulations, familiarity with wildlife value orientations, and disease management.
  • Communication skills and abilities are required in all formats, with excellent capabilities to both develop and deliver quality communications to diverse internal and external audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, or related field.
  • Demonstrated experience with citizen participation, conflict resolution and negotiation techniques.
  • Experience as program lead or demonstrated program leadership skills, including managing complex projects, team management including the ability to effectively manage and prioritize a large and multifaceted workload and carry multiple projects through to completion—sometimes over a multi-year time span.
  • Experience with databases and information system technologies.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action.
  • Working knowledge of legislative and rulemaking processes.
  • Considerable knowledge of the purpose and basic organizational structure of other natural resource management agencies and stakeholder organizations and the key people within them.
  • Administrative, supervisory, and budget management experience to manage and allocate resources and report accomplishments.

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 Leslie McInenly at leslie.mcinenly@state.mn.us or 651-259-5220.

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. 

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.