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Large Lake Specialist-Natural Resources - Fisheries

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Large Lake Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 80561
  • Location: Lake City
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 10/01/2024
  • Closing Date: 10/21/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / 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: 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 plan, direct, implement and evaluate the Large Lake Monitoring Program on Lake Pepin/Pool 4, and assist with other fish management activities in the Lake City area, with direction from the Area Fisheries Supervisor. This position serves as the program leader for the Large Lake Program on Lake Pepin/Pool 4 and, in the absence of the Area Supervisor, may assume leadership of other programs as needed. Lake Pepin/Pool 4 is a significant statewide resource containing the largest natural lake on the commercially navigable portion of the Mississippi River, and the only year-round open water fishery for Walleye and Sauger in the Large Lake Monitoring Program.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

Transcript requirements:

A. Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. A minimum of 4 courses, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management.
B. Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
C. Physical sciences courses. Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours.
D. Mathematics and statistics courses. Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1statistics course or 2 statistics courses.
E. Communications courses. Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college).

*To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be 'C-' or higher.
**Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries Professional will be accepted in lieu of the required coursework.

Three (3) years of experience in leading fisheries management programs or fisheries research applying the principles and techniques of fisheries science.

Direct field experience working on lakes, large rivers, or large reservoirs including fish sampling from a boat and shoreline using standard sampling techniques.

Experience with standard fisheries survey techniques including fish sampling, fish aging, water quality/limnological sampling, completing fisheries data management and analysis, fish identification and statistics.

Knowledge of creel survey theory and methodology.

Communication and public relations skills to effectively lead a team in the field as well as explain a technical information to both lay and technical audiences.

Ability to maintain and operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, etc.

Conflict resolution skills and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive team member on difficult environmental or fisheries management issues including acting as a fisheries representative at interagency meetings.

Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.

Computer literacy, including knowledge of database management, data analysis, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Preferred Qualifications

Exceptional interpersonal skills are necessary to effectively deal with a wide range of controversial and non-controversial issues involving Tribal governments, lake/resort owner groups, tourism boards, watershed districts, local government units and the public.

Ability and skill to communicate technical decisions and recommendations to peers, department managers, and the public as well as give presentations to a large audience of subject experts and non-subject experts.

Experience with design, implementation, analysis, and reporting for creel surveys and large lake fish surveying techniques and analysis.

Experience with maintenance and operation of watercraft exceeding 20 feet in length and outboard motors exceeding 100 hp.

High level of technical experience in fish management and/or fish research programs including experience independently designing, implementing, managing, and reporting fisheries investigations and/or monitoring programs.

Advanced data collection management, and analysis skills including expertise in GIS, GPS, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, and R.

Strong technical writing skills demonstrating the ability to prepare work summaries, technical reports, news releases, brochures, and fact sheets for a variety of audiences from technical to the general public.

Experience writing fish survey reports, fisheries management plans, and/or scientific publications.

Ability to supervise the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate implementation strategies to ensure protection of fish, wildlife, native plant resources, and habitats.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.

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. 

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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

 

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:

  • 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nick Schlesser at nicholas.schlesser@state.mn.us or 651-299-4030.

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 Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@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.