Deadline: Mon, 06/06/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Minnesota Location Detail: Brainerd Job Description: 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 temporary unclassified Assistant Area Wildlife Manager in Brainerd, MN. The anticipated dates for this temporary appointment are June 2022 through December 2023. This position exists to protect and enhance wildlife populations and capital improvements through development and management of wildlife habitats and facilities. The Assistant Area Wildlife Manager recommends development, maintenance, and construction on all wildlife management areas within the Brainerd wildlife work area. In addition, it provides input into the evaluation, development, and management of populations, habitat, and plant communities as well as provides assistance to the Area Wildlife Supervisor. Brainerd wildlife staff oversee an area that includes over 1.3 million acres of public and private land in Crow Wing County and a portion of Cass County. These lands include 22 Wildlife Management Areas totaling 13,700 acres, one state game refuge and one designated waterfowl refuge. Responsibilities include: 1. Assist with the implementation of habitat management, facility development, and maintenance in the Wildlife Area so that wildlife resources and public use are enhanced. 2. Assist with protection of wildlife and habitat through habitat evaluation, land acquisition, and environmental review so that healthy and diverse wildlife habitats will be maintained on the landscape. 3. Assist with the implementation of wildlife population management programs in a manner that is consistent with the Section of Wildlife goals and objectives. 4. Effectively communicate wildlife management work and needs in order to gain public understanding and support for wildlife management programs. 5. Assist with fiscal and other administrative activities for the Wildlife Area so that priority habitat and facility management activities are completed according to desired time schedules. Assist with financial and other reporting. Demonstrate accountability to Department personnel and interested stakeholders by adhering to Department policies and guidelines. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications See transcript requirements below AND instructions for submitting transcripts in the "How to Apply" section of this posting. • Bachelor's degree in Wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis. • Transcript Evaluation: o A review of your transcript per the following coursework requirements: A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/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. • Knowledge or experience in wildlife management including managing forest, brush land, and wetland habitats for wildlife. • Knowledge of and/or experience with using prescribed fire as a habitat management tool. • Ability to pass the Work Capacity test, moderate level (physical ability), as a condition of employment. • Technical knowledge of wildlife species identification, habitat relationships, food habits, animal behavior, parasites and disease, life histories, and reproductive potential. • Knowledge of census/survey techniques and their limitations. • Knowledge sufficient to identify common terrestrial and aquatic plants. • Writing skills sufficient to communicate work programs, project proposals, accomplishment reports, survey results, hunting season data, and correspondence. • Ability to effectively communicate orally to individuals, small and medium sized groups, and news media. • Knowledge of development and implementation of project proposals using available, staff, tools, and equipment. • GIS/GPS education or experience. • Ability to use various computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, data base, and mapping software. • Ability to perform required field work alone under adverse weather and outdoor conditions. • 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. Preferred Qualifications • Master's degree in Wildlife Biology or related field. • One (1) year of professional level (e.g., NR Specialist) wildlife management or habitat experience sufficient to complete and/or project manage and implement habitat management, plans, contracts, facility development, and maintenance duties in a Wildlife Area. • Experience with forest management, forest ecology, and silviculture practices. • Certified in the application of pesticides for invasive species management. • Experience with citizen engagement, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques. • Knowledge of various water control structures, lake/wetland ecology, and wetland restoration practices. • Knowledge of and/or experience with hunting and trapping traditions, methods, wildlife damage management, and regulations. • Experience in coordinating wetland management for wildlife habitat with other disciplines or organizations. • Experience in writing contracts for wildlife habitat or facility projects. • Experience in supervising contractors or work crews with habitat management projects. • 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. • Basic wildland firefighter training (S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline, IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-700 An introduction to the National Incident Management System). • Qualified as a: o MFIRB (Minnesota Firing Boss – Minnesota DNR standards) or State/NWCG equivalent. o MRXB3 (Minnesota Burn Boss Type 3) or State/NWCG equivalent. o MRXB2 (Minnesota Burn Boss Type 2) or State/NWCG equivalent. Physical Requirements Occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pound bags of seed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. This job requires the ability to walk 2 miles in 30 minutes while carrying a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level). Miscellaneous: This is a temporary, unclassified position with an expected end date of December 2023. Additional Requirements This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record. It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components: 1. Employment Reference Check 2. SEMA4 Records Check 3. Criminal History Check 4. Education/license verification Salary: $21.61 - $31.35/hourly; $45,121 - $65,458/annually Benefits: GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year. How to Apply: To apply for this position, submit your resume at: http://www.mn.gov/careers To find this posting search for: job ID 55671 or Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Wildlife. .In addition to submitting your resume, please submit your transcript(s) that demonstrate satisfactory completion of the education requirements listed in the posting. Unofficial copies of transcripts are acceptable. • Submit your transcript(s) by email to Angela Aarhus-Ward at angela.aarhus-ward@state.mn.us. Failure to submit your transcript(s) by the close of the posting may affect your consideration for the position. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about the position, contact Christine Reisz at christine.reisz@state.mn.us or 218-203-4323.
