- Agency
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Location
- Bemidji, Brainerd, or Grand Rapids, MN
- Job Category
- Full time Positions
- Salary
- $24.92 - $36.34 / hourly; $52,033 - $75,878 / annually
- Start Date
- 01/02/2024
- Last Date to Apply
- 10/03/2023
- Website
- https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/
- Description
- The DNR is currently seeking to fill a permanent, full-time Big Game Program Specialist position located in northern Minnesota. This position will work cooperatively with DNR staff, landowners, deer hunters, non-governmental agencies, universities, and other stakeholders to engage and work with communities and landowners on deer management and research programs, including chronic wasting disease, with a geographic focus on northern Minnesota. This position must coordinate closely with all parties to find cooperative solutions to challenging deer-related problems. A special emphasis will be on creating relationships among these parties to deliver accurate and timely information and develop partnerships. In addition to supporting the big game program, this position will work closely with the wildlife health program group leader, who will help coordinate activities that relate to disease response and management and identified Departmental information officers and information technology (MNIT) staff. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: Establish relationships with landowners, deer hunters, local county and municipal officials, and other stakeholders as needed to address emerging local or regional issues. Convey the importance of deer management, CWD control strategies, and overall population management. Promote available tools, including the DNR’s CWD response plan and White-tailed Deer Management Plan, to reduce disease prevalence on the landscape and meet established deer management objectives. Provide effective and timely technical assistance to landowners. Develop and summarize information necessary to educate and inform hunters, landowners, and other stakeholders about DNR deer management, research, and disease programs. Participate in University and non-governmental committees to deliver DNR landowner and hunter outreach programs to communities; facilitate public involvement in deer-related workshops, meetings, and outreach opportunities. Assist in the administration of Department programs, policies, and services so that operational requirements are met, and public benefits are realized; to incorporate section goals and policies into larger landscape-level and ecosystem-based management plans; and provide leadership in the field so that a safe and efficient operation is maintained. The preferred work location for the selected candidate is Grand Rapids, Bemidji, or Brainerd MN. Specific location is negotiable and will be agreed upon at time of selection. This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position requires the candidate to be able to travel to other buildings and areas outside of the assigned work location for meetings, conferences, and field work. TO APPLY: Go to the MN careers website (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/) and search for Job ID 69224.
- Qualifications
- Minimum Qualifications Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date. Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science / Management or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis. Transcript requirement(s): A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/biology; One (1) course in each: chemistry or physics; statistics; communication; and ecology; At least four (4) additional wildlife or ecology, or related courses, such as animal or plant taxonomy, comparative anatomy or physiology, soils, or geology, mammalogy, ornithology, parasitology, etc. Two (2) years of professional level (e.g., NR Specialist) wildlife management, outreach or habitat experience sufficient to advise landowners, land managers, and deer hunters on deer population management. A Master's Degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Wildlife Science/ Management, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. Demonstrated communication skills with the ability to communicate with individuals, small and medium sized groups, and news media which may have competing objectives. Ability to develop and deliver a presentation tailored to specific stakeholder groups. Technical knowledge of wildlife species identification, habitat relationships, food habits, animal behavior, parasites and disease, life histories, and reproductive potential, intra- and inter-specific interactions, mortality factors, anatomy, physiology, population dynamics, and census/survey techniques and their limitations. Knowledge of computer software programs including spreadsheets, ArcMap/GIS, Adobe Pro, database, and word processing. Writing skills sufficient to communicate work programs, project proposals, accomplishment reports, survey results, hunting season data, and correspondence. Project management skills to oversee, prioritize actions, and make recommendations on public outreach and engagement initiatives. Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Wildlife Science/ Management, or closely related field. Knowledge of citizen participation, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques. A working knowledge of deer management, wildlife damage, mitigation techniques, deer hunting regulations, hunting, and trapping traditions. Human relations skills sufficient to coordinate and achieve cooperation with the public, peers, and staff. Working knowledge of wildlife habitat enhancement and maintenance techniques. Ability to direct colleagues and teams; plan, manage, and implement projects and programs with tight deadlines. 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
- Contact Person
- Barb Keller
- Contact Phone
- 651-259-5198
- Contact eMail
- barbara.keller@state.mn.us
