Job Information
State of Minnesota Grassland Restoration Specialist - NR Spec Eco Svcs in Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Working Title: Grassland Restoration Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 77632
Location : Central or Southwest Minnesota
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 06/19/2024
Closing Date : 07/09/2024
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Fish and Wildlife Prairie Habitat
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes; to field sites during summer months
Salary Range: $23.37 - $33.90 / hourly; $48,796 - $70,783 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
The DNR is seeking to fill up to two (2) Grassland Restoration Specialist positions to support grassland restoration activities that are funded through the Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) by evaluating and analyzing the plant community composition of grassland restorations. This information will then be used to inform future restoration efforts in an adaptive management framework. This position will also aid Area Wildlife staff and Operations staff in developing future OHF funded restoration projects.
Responsibilities include:
Assess and evaluate the plant community on OHF-funded grassland restorations to determine the diversity and richness of these communities.
Assist Area Wildlife supervisors and staff to manage projects on OHF-funded restoration sites from development to completion, as well as develop restoration plans for newly identified sites.
Survey Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Aquatic Management Areas (AMAs), Scientific Natural Areas (SNAs), and other state, federal, and private (easement) lands to identify future OHF funded restoration/enhancement efforts, including brome-dominated areas or areas planted with native grass monocultures or non-local-ecotype seed decades ago.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
The preferred work location is an existing DNR office located in Central, Western or Southern Minnesota. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.
Minimum Qualifications
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 make recommendations on all facets of natural area management planning and implementation, development, and field work.
Demonstrated skills in the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) particularly ArcMap/ArcPro, sufficient to perform spatial analysis, create map products, and collect, maintain and analyze data on work accomplishments.
Strong communication skills and the ability to obtain and synthesize information from a wide variety of sources sufficient to write management plans and provide technical information and provide guidance to natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers.
Ability to solve problems associated with habitat management projects, including equipment breakdowns, materials procurement, safety concerns, and weather-related limitations.
Ability to prepare project budgets, work plans, and other planning and fiscal documents.
Ability to learn to use tools and equipment utilized for habitat management (e.g., chain saws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, boats, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.).
Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and requirements relating to state and federally listed species.
Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
Ability to work in team settings and manage conflict.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's or advanced degree in biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management, or closely related field.
Experience with natural areas management, land management planning, prescribed fire, and land restoration or reconstruction.
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.
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
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.