Deadline: Tue, 03/07/2023 - 12:00pm Employer: MN Department of Natural Resources Job Field: Fisheries Job Type: Full Time Location: Minnesota Job Description: This position exists to plan, direct, implement and evaluate the Large Lake Monitoring Program on Lake Winnibigoshish, and assist with other fish management activities in the Grand Rapids area, with direction from the Area Fisheries Supervisor. This position serves as the program leader for the Large Lake Program on Lake Winnibigoshish and, in the absence of the Area Supervisor, may assume leadership of other programs as needed. Lake Winnibigoshish is a significant statewide resource. It is the fourth largest natural Walleye lake in the State of Minnesota, and is considered a destination lake to both resident and non-resident anglers. Furthermore, the Grand Rapids Fisheries Office is responsible for fisheries management on over 300 smaller waters in Itasca and western St. Louis counties. Management activities include lake surveys, public outreach, Walleye spawn-take and hatching, fish stocking, creel studies, and habitat management. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date. Transcript requirements: A. Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. A minimum of 4 courses, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management. B. Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours. C. Physical sciences courses. Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours. D. Mathematics and statistics courses. Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1 statistics course or 2 statistics courses. E. Communications courses. Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college). *To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be 'C-' or higher. **Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries Professional will be accepted in lieu of the required coursework. Three (3) years of professional level experience in fisheries management or fisheries research applying the principles and techniques of fisheries science. Direct field experience working on lakes including fish sampling from a boat and shoreline. Oral communication and public relations skills to effectively explain a subject to staff or constituents and writing skills to sufficiently draft management plans/reports or other documents. Ability to maintain and operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, etc. Interpersonal skills demonstrated when representing region at interagency meetings. Conflict resolution skills. Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions. Computer literacy, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and word processing. Preferred Qualifications Exceptional interpersonal skills are necessary to effectively deal with a wide range of controversial and non-controversial issues involving Tribal governments, lake/resort owner groups, tourism boards, watershed districts, local government units and the public. Ability and skill to communicate technical decisions and recommendations to peers, department managers, and the public as well as give presentations to a large audience of subject experts and non-subject experts. Experience with creel survey design, large lake fish surveying techniques and analysis, fish identification and statistics. Experience with maintenance and operation of watercraft exceeding 20 feet in length and outboard motors exceeding 100 hp. Training and expertise sufficient to lead a team of fisheries creel clerks, laborers, interns, specialists, and technicians during a variety of field operations. High level of technical experience in fish management and/or fish research programs including experience with Walleye spawn-take, hatchery operations, and evaluation of stocking programs. Advanced data management skills including expertise in GIS/GPS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, and R. Strong technical writing skills demonstrating the ability to prepare work summaries, technical reports, news releases, brochures, and fact sheets for a variety of audiences from technical to the general public. Experience writing fish survey reports, fisheries management plans, and/or scientific publications. Ability to supervise the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate implementation strategies to ensure protection of fish, wildlife, native plant resources, and habitats. Physical Requirements Requires occasionally lifting articles of 50 pounds maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy gear, fish samples and nets. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain, boating in rough water to retrieve fish sampling nets or may involve sitting most of the time. 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: · Employment Reference Check · SEMA4 Records Check · Criminal History Check · Conflict of Interest Review · Education/license verification Salary: Salary Range: $26.14 - $38.38 / hourly; $54,580 - $80,137 / annually Benefits: Comprehensive Benefits Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include: · Public pension plan · Training and professional development · Paid vacation and sick leave · 11 paid holidays each year · Paid parental leave · Low-cost medical and dental coverage · Prescription drug coverage · Vision coverage · Wellness programs and resources · Employer paid life insurance · Short-term and long-term disability · Health care spending and savings accounts · Dependent care spending account · Tax-deferred compensation · Employee Assistance Program (EAP) · Tuition reimbursement · Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 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. How to Apply: How to Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. If you have questions about the position, contact David Weitzel at david.weitzel@state.mn.us or 218-328-8835. 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 Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@state.mn.us. Why Work for Us Diverse Workforce We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota. A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found: · 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission · 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs · 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job · 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule
