NR Tech (Wildlife)

Job Description

**Job Details**
—————

**Working Title**: **Resource Management Technician**

**Job Class:** **Natural Resources Technician Wildlife**

**Agency: Department of Natural Resources**

* **Job ID:** 82575
* **Location:** Moose Lake
* **Telework Eligible**: No
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary:** Unlimited
* **Who May Apply:** Open to all qualified job seekers
* **Date Posted:** 12/20/2024
* **Closing Date:** 01/09/2025
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:** Department of Natural Resources
* **Division/Unit:** Parks and Trails
* **Work Shift/Work Hours:** Day Shift
* **Days of Work:** Monday – Thursday
* **Travel Required**: Yes, Up to 50% within the district
* **Salary Range:** $23.26 – $32.79 / hourly; $48,567 – $68,466 / annually
* **Bargaining Unit:** 207 – AFSCME Technical
* **FLSA Status:** Non-Exempt
* **Work Area:** Moose Lake
* **Classified Status:** Classified
* 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**
—————

This position exists to provide support to District Resource Specialists and Regional Resource Management Supervisor, as well as unit managers and other staff. This position assists in planning, conducting, directing and evaluating the natural & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails in District 5 of the Northeast Region, with occasional work assignments in Districts 3 and 4.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

* Implement approved projects and conduct other natural/cultural resource management program activities on lands administered by the Parks and Trails Division in the Northeast Region so that program goals are met and natural/cultural resources are preserved, restored, and maintained.
* Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brushsawing), and chemical methods.
* Direct the work of Parks and Trails laborers, MN Conservation Corps (CCM) crews, Sentenced to Service (STS), student workers, interns, and other staff or volunteers in an efficient, safe and effective manner so that Resource Management Program objectives are achieved.
* Assist the unit managers in developing comprehensive and project specific plans for accomplishing division resource management objectives.
* Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of, heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment and in top operating condition at all times.
* Provide inventory, documentation, and survey of plant and animal species and natural communities so that better information regarding species and natural community diversity and abundance so that program achievements can be tracked, analyzed, and described.
* Complete logistics tasks and other duties as assigned in order that the resource team functions efficiently and effectively, crew and equipment travel between projects efficiently and safely, and tasks and projects are completed in a safe manner.
* Assist in planning and conducting prescribed burns and determining prescribed fire break locations. Maintain and prepare prescribed burning tools, equipment, and supplies.

This job will require strenuous manual labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, moving, pushing, pulling, and ascending/descending, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. This job requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain. It requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level). Applicant must have ability to efficiently communicate in a loud/challenging environment (When conducting burns, using equipment, etc.).

**Qualifications**
——————

### **Minimum Qualifications**

* Associates Degree in Wildlife, ecology, natural resource management or equivalent field with an emphasis in wildlife coursework. Examples of course work could be GIS, Ecology, Forestry, etc.
* 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.
* 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 trailers, boats, snowmobile, ATV, UTV, dozer/crawlers, skid steers with attachments, chain saw, and tracked vehicle.
* Prescribed burn or wildfire suppression experience.
* Knowledge of identification and management of common native and non-native plants.
* Ability to interpret aerial maps, understand/interpret biological data, create field maps, and maintain field notes using tablets and mobile devices.
* Ability to understand and effectively use computer hardware and software for digital data management, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications (e.g., ArcPro, EDDMapS), and programs for word processing and spreadsheets.
* Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
* Ability to obtain Category A & J MN Non-Commercial Pesticide applicators license within 6 months of hire.
* Completion of Wildland Firefighter Training (S-130/190) to become certified as a Basic Firefighter (FFT2).

### **Preferred Qualifications**

* A Bachelor’s Degree or four years of related experience. Degrees should be in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife or a related field.
* Three or more years of prescribed fire experience, ideally in a variety of fuel types.
* Current certification as a Basic Firefighter (FFT2) or above.
* Successful completion of prescribed burn training to the firing boss (MRXI2, and courses/open task book supporting MRXB2) or higher qualifications. (NWCG or MN track standards accepted.)
* Experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
* Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
* Experience and training in the safe and efficient operation of power saws (DNR Basic Power Saw training, also S-212 or equivalent).
* Experience directing the work of others and leading field crews.
* Communication skills sufficient to communicate with a wide variety of natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers in both office and field settings.

### **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 Cathy Handrick at Cathy.Handrick@state.mn.us or 218-328-8990.

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 Becky Hotop at Becky.Hotop@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.