Research Scientist for Deer, Moose, and Elk

Working Title: Deer, Moose, and Elk Scientist
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 78945
• Location: Grand Rapids
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/16/2024
• Closing Date: 09/05/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Fish and Wildlife / Wildlife Research Program
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• 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

The DNR is currently seeking a Deer, Moose, and Elk Scientist in Grand Rapids, MN. This position exists to provide high-level technical expertise on the ecology, research, and monitoring of ungulates (i.e., moose statewide, white-tailed deer in the forested parts of the state, and elk in northeastern Minnesota); to develop and evaluate new research and analytical methods; and to design, implement, and report on complex and collaborative research and survey projects to provide new knowledge that can be applied to the management of and harvest frameworks for ungulates. The incumbent also represents the DNR in public meetings; disseminates advanced technical expertise on research and population surveys to peers, clientele, and the media; and acts as a key participant in the development, evaluation, and implementation of DNR management policies required to ensure the sustainability of wildlife resources in Minnesota.

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. This position may require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis for onboarding and meetings.

Responsibilities include: 

• Plan, prioritize, design, analyze, and oversee independent, original, and often collaborative research projects concerning cause-specific mortality, habitat and predator interactions and ungulate population dynamics so that relevant data are collected for increased scientific knowledge and improved management.
• Conduct independent or collaborative research projects, developing work plans for ungulate research and survey projects that account for both short- and long-term research and monitoring needs, and advise other government or academic researchers on projects that ensure project validity, including by the use of appropriate and rigorous scientific techniques, research methods, statistical analyses, and reporting.
• Develop or apply advanced, state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to evaluate defined problems.
• Present scientific results and evidence-based interpretations and expert opinions to inform peers, the public, and the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of department or state policies, rules, and statutes that improve management of wildlife populations.
• Coordinate, direct, and report results of the annual Minnesota moose population survey.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Wildlife Management, Ecology, or closely related field AND three (3) years advanced professional experience in scientific, experimental, research, monitoring, and survey techniques pertaining to the conservation and/or management of wild mammals. 
  OR
• A PhD in Wildlife Management, Ecology, or closely related field AND one (1) year of advanced professional experience in scientific, experimental, research, monitoring, and survey techniques pertaining to the conservation and/or management of wild mammals.

Applicants must also meet the following additional minimum qualifications:

• Working knowledge of the ecology and management of ungulates to identify and prioritize research needs and formulate hypotheses relevant to management decisions.
• Advanced knowledge of scientific principles, experimental design, statistical modeling, and field sampling techniques to design and analyze data from scientifically valid and cost-efficient research projects.
• Skill in conducting statistical analyses of field data to test hypotheses and make appropriate inferences, including proficiency in Program R or other statistical software packages.
• Demonstrated skill in publishing at least 2 research manuscripts about animal ecology or management in peer-reviewed journals as the lead author.
• Management skills to effectively plan, budget, motivate, coordinate, and direct resources to meet wildlife research needs.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research results to peers and decision-makers in real time by explaining data tables, graphs, and diagrams and by answering resulting questions.
• Skill at building and maintaining mutually respectful, beneficial, and rewarding relationships with a diverse network of scientific and professional peers, including land and wildlife managers.
• Ability to operate 4-wheel-drive trucks, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles in field situations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-doctoral research on wild mammals.
• Advanced professional experience leading and completing research on deer, moose, or elk.
• Experience conducting applied wildlife research (i.e., research that reduces uncertainties relevant to making decisions for wildlife management or conservation).
• Human relationship and conflict management skills to assess and collaboratively resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.
• Experience and technical proficiency live-trapping ungulates, using immobilizing drugs, handing biological samples, tracking animal movements, and estimating survival.
• Extensive computer programming experience with Program R.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and using geographic information systems data.
• Experience modeling populations of large mammals, preferably ungulates, and understanding the outputs sufficient to make management recommendations.

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 

Go directly to the job posting on the MN Careers website or go to the MN Careers website and search for Job ID number 78945. Then select “Apply for Job” at the top of the official job posting.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Mike Larson at michael.larson@state.mn.us or 218-328-8873.

If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line 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 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 Jordan Krueger at jordan.krueger@state.mn.us.

About MN Department of Natural Resources 

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.