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Wildlife Health Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Wildlife Health Specialist 
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 86257
  • Location: Forest Lake
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Limited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 05/15/2025
  • Closing Date: 06/04/2025
  • 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 - Up to 25% of the time
  • Salary Range: $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,988 - $73,977 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • Anticipated Start Date: 06/24/2025
  • End Date: 06/24/2028
  • 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 Wildlife Health Specialist in Forest Lake, MN. This position exists to support the Wildlife Health Program throughout Minnesota by assisting with planning, executing, and reporting wildlife health-related surveillance, management, and original research on game species of Minnesota.  The incumbent will assist the Wildlife Health staff in developing and evaluating new techniques to monitor wildlife health, respond to disease outbreaks, disseminating advanced technical expertise to resource professionals and the public, and representing the department at meetings

The anticipated dates for this temporary unclassified position are approximately June 2025 through June 2028.

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 an annual telework agreement. 

Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate and conduct the collection of tissue samples from hunter-killed, opportunistic, and targeted white-tailed deer, elk, moose, and other wildlife species; organize statewide databases; coordinate the samples for chronic wasting disease and other disease and pathogen testing; and provide staff training.
  • Organize, analyze, and interpret disease sampling-data, to ensure accuracy and completeness, so that hypotheses can be tested and conclusions can be drawn to inform our disease management work.
  • Report on wildlife disease program findings by co-authoring scientific articles and research summaries and by oral presentations so that results can be utilized, within Minnesota and internationally, by research scientists, wildlife managers, administrators, the media, and the public.

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 in Wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis. 
  • Transcript Evaluation:
  • Knowledge of biology and ecology sufficient to interpret and analyze data and serve as technical assistant on projects.
  • Knowledge of wildlife disease sampling techniques.
  • Knowledge of statistics sufficient to summarize data and conduct preliminary analyses of data properly.
  • Ability to work in a variety of field situations and at times in a variety of adverse weather and environmental conditions.
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in written form sufficient to document and disseminate completed research results to peers and the public.
  • Interpersonal skills sufficient to collaborate with research partners.
  • Ability to interpret wildlife and other data sufficient to draw reasonable conclusions.
  • Experience using Excel and Access to enter, proof, query, and summarize wildlife research data.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ability to navigate on roads and in remote areas on foot using maps, a compass, and a GPS.
  • Ability to operate and maintain equipment such as ATVs, snowmobiles, and trailers.
  • Experience using Access and Excel for database management.
  • Experience with using ArcGIS.
  • Experience with using telemetry to locate radio-collared animals.
  • Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
  • Experience with chronic wasting disease surveillance and management, including (but not limited to) extracting samples, managing partner sampling and hunter mail-in kit programs, organizing necessary supplies and equipment required at check stations, and shipping samples to diagnostic laboratories following protocols. 
  • Experience with conducting field necropsies of ungulates and ungulate anatomy.

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 Erik Hildebrand at erik.hildebrand@state.mn.us or 651-539-3311.

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.