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Regional SNA Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Regional SNA Specialist Senior
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 81668
  • Location: Fergus Falls
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 12/28/2024
  • Closing Date: 01/21/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes - Regularly in the region, occasionally statewide.
  • Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually
  • Job Class Option: Prairie Resource Management
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Re-Posting: Yes
  • 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 posting will be used to fill current or future positions a Fergus Falls. The division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire a permanent full-time Regional SNA Specialist Senior located in Fergus Falls. This position exists to plan, implement management and protection, and evaluate the Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Unit activities and projects in the Region to protect, enhance and provide information about the biodiversity of Minnesota’s natural ecosystems on private and public lands including SNAs and Native Prairie Banks (NPB).

Responsibilities:

  • Plan, coordinate, implement, and oversee site-specific management (restoration, enhancement, and development) on Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) and other lands managed by SNA (native prairie banks, NARs, etc.) so that rare resources and biodiversity are conserved in accordance with Division and program policies and guidelines.
  • Seek protection and assist in the acquisition of priority lands to be designated as Scientific and Natural Areas, established as Native Prairie Bank, or enrolled in other land conservation programs (e.g., Natural Area Registry, Prairie Tax Exemption, etc.) so that rare resources, native biodiversity, and natural ecological systems are protected.
  • Coordinate and perform public engagement, outreach, education, and information activities to promote understanding and support for native biodiversity, rare resources, and natural lands protection and management.
  • Plan, coordinate, implement and document natural area monitoring and research so that easement stewardship responsibilities are fulfilled, and ecological understanding is enhanced.  
  • Provide ecological, management, and protection data and recommendations and participate in committees or teams to protect and enhance rare resources, natural areas, native biodiversity, and natural ecosystems.
  • Conduct administrative tasks necessary to carry out responsibilities according to state standards including work planning, providing lead work, participating in employee development and teams so that resource management is smoothly, safely, and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, fiscal responsibilities, and legal mandates.

This work 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.).

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. 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management or closely related field is required.
  • Three years of professional level experience designing and implementing terrestrial habitat assessments and/or habitat management including developing goals and objectives, implementing actions, monitoring/reporting, and managing a project budget. **An advanced degree in one of the majors listed above may substitute for one year of experience**
  • Experience with prescribed burns or wildfire suppression including planning, coordinating, and implementation.
  • Knowledge of natural areas management, plant community ecology, land management planning, and land restoration and reconstruction sufficient to make recommendations on all facets of natural resource development, management, planning, and fieldwork.
  • Skills in the use of geographic information system (GIS) particularly ArcMap/ArcPro sufficient to create maps, interpret aerial photos, and perform spatial analyses.
  • Skills in communication sufficient to write and provide technical information and guidance to various audiences including natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers.
  • Skills in leadership sufficient to direct field crews and carry out development, management, and protection activities.
  • Skills in organization, time management, and obtaining information from a wide variety of sources sufficient to prepare management plans.
  • Ability to communicate respectfully and work with a diversity of people in a variety of situations. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in wildlife management, conservation biology, botany, ecology, natural resource management or closely related field is required.
  • Current possession of Prescribed Fire Burn Boss 2 Certification (NWCG RxB2 or MN RxB2), or willingness and ability to obtain.
  • Knowledge of the habitat types, geology, soil science, and disturbance techniques that emulate natural processes of Minnesota.
  • Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies.
  • Knowledge of botany. 
  • Experience with native and invasive plants of Minnesota.
  • Experience with tools and equipment used in native habitat management (e.g., ATV's, 4-wheel drive vehicles, trailers, tractors, mowers, chainsaws, prairie seed harvest equipment, chemical sprayers, planting equipment, GPS, compass).

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

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.

If you have questions about this position, contact Tyler Larson at tyler.k.larson@state.mn.us or 218-616-4061.

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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@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.