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Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist
 Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 91378
  • Location: Sauk Rapids
  • Telework Eligible: Yes – Up to 50%
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 01/15/2026
  • Closing Date: 02/04/2026
  • 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 - during Field Season
  • Salary Range: $29.25 - $ 42.94/ hourly; $61,074- $89,659 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit:  214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
  • 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to hire an Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist in Sauk Rapids, MN. This Specialist will serve to provide planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Invasive Species Program prevention and management activities within the assigned region. In addition, this position will provide technical assistance to DNR programs and staff whose work responsibilities involve invasive species prevention and management activities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Administer Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permits, Prohibited and Regulated Aquatic Invasive Species and Infested Water Permits to support the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program goals through the issuance of permits.
  • Coordinate, implement, and evaluate invasive species management, prevention and regulatory activities related to Minnesota's Aquatic Invasive Species Statute and Rules within assigned counties.
  • Manage and inventory invasive species data and utilizes the best science to evaluate prevention and management outcomes for the Invasive Species Program.
  • Implement internal DNR policies and initiatives related to the DNR's statutory responsibilities for identifying, listing, and managing invasive aquatic species.
  • Serve as a technical expert of aquatic invasive species by providing technical and regulatory assistance to both internal staff and external partners.
  • Implement the District’s AIS functions, in collaboration with the other District Invasive Species Specialist.
  • Provide direction and coordination for program administration to assigned interns or staff.

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 will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree Ecology, Biology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or closely related field with coursework in aquatic sciences, plant biology and ecology. 
  • Three years professional experience designing and implementing (including data management and analysis) biological assessments and habitat management actions benefiting aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. 
    • Advanced degree in a field listed above may substitute one year of experience.
  • Experience in operating a watercraft and navigating a waterbody using GPS equipment.
  • Knowledge of aquatic plant field survey techniques and plant specimen preparation and preservation methods.
  • Knowledge of aquatic plant management techniques along with the ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate control activities in Minnesota and their impacts.
  • Ability to identify aquatic invasive species and native aquatic plants found in Minnesota.
  • Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, in particular, ArcView/ArcGIS sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products.
  • Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance, training and to achieve cooperation and collaboration with clients, peers, and staff.
  • Technical writing skills sufficient to author and disseminate survey results to a variety of audiences.
  • Skills in data management and analysis sufficient to use statistical software and or relational databases to analyze data and report results
  • Ability to effectively manage and prioritize a large and multifaceted workload and carry multiple projects through to completion.
  • Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting in public and ability to work well with traditional media and social media to reach the public with conservation messages.
  • Skills in word processing, and in the use of spreadsheets, and relational databases to enter, manipulate and report data.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in Aquatic Biology/Ecology or a closely related field.
  • Knowledge of the DNR’s organizational structure is desirable.
  • Supervisory and/or lead worker experience.
  • Knowledgeable of aquatic pesticides and understanding of state and federal pesticide laws in Minnesota.
  • Working knowledge of state invasive species laws and rules, as well as other state and federal resource management agencies, local governmental units, and their respective authority, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.
  • Ability to incorporate considerable knowledge and analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action.
  • Previous natural resource permitting or regulatory experience.
  • Experience using Arc Collector or a comparable data collection application.
  • Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) certification.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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. 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.

Contact

 If you have questions about the position, contact Christine Hokkala-Kuhns at christine.hokkala-kuhns@state.mn.us or 320-223-7845.

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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@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.