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Research Analysis Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Research Analysis Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 83181
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 1/10/2025
  • Closing Date: 1/30/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • 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 high-level technical research, monitoring, and survey project design and data analysis expertise to the Division of Ecological and Water Resources (EWR) Nongame Wildlife Program (NWP).The work supports the conservation of Minnesota Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) as outlined in Minnesota’s Wildlife Action Plan. 
Duties Include:

  • Analyze existing data (internal or external to DNR) to determine more about species’ trends and likelihood of persistence over time.  Identify for which SGCN species current data are sufficient to track trends in distribution and/or population levels. Work will focus on all major taxonomic groups.
  • Work with staff to design research frameworks and propose studies to answer questions about SGCN responses to habitat changes due to restoration, management actions, and climate change. The objective is to determine best habitat management practices to positively influence SGCN populations in the context of a changing environment.  The work will inform larger scale future efforts for SGCNs, such as projects outlined in future grant proposals.
  • Advise and assist biologists seeking statistical advice. Advise on projects such as:  sampling plans for surveys, monitoring, and research of SGCN species; research design to test important hypotheses; methodology to estimate population parameters with adequate precision; and use of techniques such as power analyses to optimize investment in future data collection.
  • Keep up to date on innovations in research, statistical modeling, population modelling, spatial analysis, and special techniques (such as environmental DNA) so that best practices may be applied in existing and future efforts.
  • Collaborate with other team members to effectively implement strategies and actions outlined in the Wildlife Action Plan and associated Nongame Wildlife Program planning documents.  Within the team, take the lead for study design and statistical analysis. As appropriate, contribute to and/or lead writing of peer-reviewed publications.

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 an annual telework agreement.
 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree wildlife, biology, ecology, biometrics/statistics, or closely related field.
  • 3 years of professional experience in scientific, experimental, research, monitoring, and survey techniques pertaining to natural resource conservation and management. An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
  • Knowledge of statistical methods of analysis sufficient to apply parametric or non-parametric approaches in animal populations and habitat data research, monitoring and survey projects.
  • Experience in statistical analysis software and programming languages, such as JMP, SPSS, R, Python.
  • Experience with spatial statistics and spatial software, (ESRI GIS or equivalent). 
  • Experience working with data management systems such as Microsoft Access, Oracle, and SQL databases.
  • Experience working with wildlife and habitat practitioners to apply statistics to inform adaptive management.
  • Experience with participating in and implementing structured decision-making framework for resolving wildlife conflicts and prioritizing conservation actions.
  • Teamwork and communication skills sufficient to enable successful collaborations with a variety of partners.
  • Project management skills sufficient to ensure that projects are completed in a timely way, and contracts and service level agreements are fulfilled.
  • Leadership skills and abilities to work collaboratively with other scientists and lead technical working groups.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree wildlife, biology, ecology, biometrics/statistics, or closely related field.  
  • 3 years of experience in statistical analysis software and programming languages, such as JMP, SPSS, R, Python.
  • 3 peer-reviewed publications of statistical analysis of wildlife and/or ecological data, including trend and habitat analyses such as relevant statistical methods papers.
  • Experience working with large, complex data such as nationally available datasets.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate advanced statistical topics to lay audiences and assist colleagues in interpreting complex analysis and results.
  • Documented project leadership including hypothesis development, project design and implementation to completion.
  • Demonstrated ability and experience in collaborating with other scientists by designing studies and providing advice on study design.
  • Knowledge sufficient to develop of project or grant-level budgets and conduct billing and contracting.
  • Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.

Additional Requirements

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. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check
  • SEMA4 Records Check
  • Criminal History Check
  • Conflict of Interest Review
  • Education/license 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 Kristin Hall at kristin.hall@state.mn.us or 651-259-5104.

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 Lucas Schulze at lucas.schulze@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.