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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources · 2 days ago

Scientific and Natural Areas Specialist / NR Spec Eco Svcs

Thief River Falls, MN

Part-time

Hybrid

Mid Level

$24.79/hr - $35.96/hr

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Scientific and Natural Areas Specialist to provide technical and professional support in natural resource management and development activities. This role involves collaborating with teams to implement and evaluate management plans for various ecological projects.

Government Administration

No H1B

Responsibilities

Management and Site Development Project Implementation - Recommend, implement, monitor, and evaluate natural resource management and development tasks with SNA leads, staff, crew and/or contractors on lands administered by the SNA Unit; and other land management tasks as assigned to maintain and improve native plant and animal communities and prevent or correct damage and nuisance problems

Management and Site Development Project Planning - Assist the lead workers, Regional SNA Supervisor, and other SNA staff to develop and coordinate project plans for natural resource management and development tasks on Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Banks, and other lands administered by the SNA Program

Implementation of Prescribed Fire - Recommend, implement, monitor, and evaluate prescribed fire in the NW Region for SNA's, Native Prairie Bank easements and other lands under SNA unit administration so that the natural communities and native species present are enhanced and protected

Collaborate in the development and maintenance of facilities; use, maintenance, and repair of equipment; and the administration of management and unit records so that resource management is smoothly, safely, and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, fiscal responsibilities, and legal mandates

Participate as assigned in employee information, development, and training programs and other educational opportunities that will ensure employee safety, enhance employee work performance, and assure proper use of equipment

Direct the day-to-day work of technicians. Conservation Corps of Minnesota (CCM), volunteers, contractors, and temporary crews in establishing and maintaining natural resources and facilities on lands administered by the SNA Unit

Qualification

Natural resource managementEcology knowledgePrescribed fire techniquesGeographic Information Systems (GIS)Bachelor’s degree in biologyNWCG Fire Fighter Type 2Advanced degree in biologyLicensed Non-Commercial Pesticide ApplicatorCommunication skillsTeam collaboration

Required

Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management, or closely related field

Knowledge of natural areas management, community ecology, land management planning, prescribed fire techniques, and land restoration or reconstruction sufficient to recommend, create and implement management plans

Knowledge of forest, woodland, peatland, savanna, prairie, and grassland ecology sufficient to recommend, create and implement management plans

Qualified as an NWCG Fire Fighter Type 2

Experience evaluating sites, planning, preparing, and implementing prescribed fire

Experience in the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) such as ArcMap/ArcPro, sufficient to perform spatial analysis, create map products, and maintain data on work accomplishments

Strong communication skills and the ability to obtain and synthesize information from a wide variety of sources

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency

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

Preferred

Advanced degree in biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management, or closely related field

Qualified as NWCG Firing Boss or Minnesota Firing Boss

Licensed Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator

Experience with tools and equipment used in native habitat management (e.g., chainsaws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, truck and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, boats, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.)

Benefits

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

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

Company

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) works with citizens to conserve and manage the state's natural resources, to provide outdoor recreation opportunities, and to provide for commercial uses of natural resources in a way that creates a sustainable quality of life.

Founded in 1971