At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Wildlife Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Agency: Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 12/07/2022
• Closing Date: 12/27/2022
• 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: No
• Salary Range: $21.10 - $29.74 / hourly; $44,056 - $62,097 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• AFSCME Work Area: Nicollet
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The DNR is currently seeking a Wildlife Technician in Nicollet, MN. This position exists as an integral part of the DNR Area Wildlife team. The primary duties of this position are to provide technical and labor support in developing and implementing wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration activities and to maintain/develop user and management infrastructure facilities on public lands.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire or wildfire suppression techniques and methods; construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
  • An associate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or equivalent field with an emphasis in wildlife coursework may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Basic knowledge of botany, forestry, prairie, wetland and forest ecology, zoology, biology, and soils.
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity test, moderate level (physical ability), as a condition of employment.
• Ability to obtain Category A & J MN Non-Commercial Pesticide applicators license within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to safely operate, transport, and use heavy equipment, trucks, and trailers. 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, dozer/crawlers, skid steers and tractors with attachments, chain saw, brush saws, and tracked vehicle.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Knowledge and skills in basic equipment maintenance and repair for tools and equipment such as power saws, vehicles, ATV's, UTVs, sprayers, seeders, snowmobiles, tractors, boats, trailers, fire equipment, skid steers and attachments, and power and hand tools.
• Working knowledge of computers, email, word processing, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Ability to understand and follow directions sufficient to interpret, communicate, and carry out assignments, safely, and efficiently.
• Ability to navigate with map, compass, and GPS.
• Ability to use GPS to track work.
• Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information, keep records, and write reports.
• Ability to communicate and interact positively while directing labor crews, or while associating with adjacent landowners, sportsmen/sportswomen, farmers, and the general public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current possession of a valid Class A Driver’s License (CDL).
• Qualified as a FFT2 (Wildland Firefighter Type 2 – National Wildfire Coordinating Group standards).
• Experience utilizing prescribed fire as a management tool.
• Possession of a pesticide applicators license (Categories A and J).
• Ability to identify native and exotic species.
• Two (2) years' experience safely operating, maintaining, repairing, and transporting equipment, such as (but not limited to) heavy trucks, dump trucks, trailers, skid steers, tractors with attachments, tracked vehicles, dozer/crawlers, backhoes, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, chainsaws, brush saws, and hand/power tools.
• Experience in wildlife management, habitat management, forestry, and/or farming techniques.
• Experience building or maintaining user facilities (roads, parking lots, water control structures, kiosks, trails, gates, etc.).
• Experience working with private citizens on wildlife issues including nuisance wildlife and wildlife depredation.
• Experience with wildlife surveys.

Physical Requirements

Requires regularly transporting articles up to 50-pound (e.g., bags of seed) maximum and frequently moving objects such as heavy tools, backpacks, field equipment, and file boxes. This job may require moving to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. This job involves physically demanding work, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. This job requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level).

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class A Driver's License with a clear driving record, in addition to passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program.

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:

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 Stein Innvaer at stein.innvaer@state.mn.us or 507-225-3572.

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 Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@state.mn.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

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.