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Habitat Construction Crew Operator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Habitat Construction Crew Heavy Equipment Operator
Job Class: Heavy Equipment Operator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92583
  • Location: Lanesboro
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 03/05/2026
  • Closing Date: 03/25/2026
  • 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: No
  • Salary Range: $29.14 - $33.57 / hourly; $60,844 - $70,094 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
  • Work Area: Lanesboro area
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • 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 carry out trout habitat development and maintenance work by operating small, medium and heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, tandem dump truck and equipment trailer, hydro mulcher and ATVs. This position will also perform some repairs and maintenance on equipment and facilities, and to occasionally assist with data collection during stream surveys.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment. 

AND:

Knowledge and experience in methods, materials, tools and equipment used in trades work and construction.

Knowledge and experience safely operating medium & heavy motorized equipment, e.g. excavator, crawler dozer, dump trucks, snow plows, snow groomers, tractors with trailers, watercraft, grader, backhoe, front-end loader, auger, plus power and hand tools, including chain saws, air compressors, carpentry tools, and other equipment/tools as assigned.

Knowledge and/or experience to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to tools and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.

Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely and efficiently.

Ability to safely load and operate trucks and trailers carrying maximum loads.

Ability to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to machinery and heavy equipment.

Ability to obtain a Construction Installer and Site Management Certification from the Erosion and Stormwater Certification Program.

Strength and agility sufficient to load, operate and repair equipment and materials.

Endurance sufficient to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow, sun and wind, and in very remote locations often accessible only by long distance walking or use of an ATV.

Ability to work with limited supervision and independently solve problems as they arise.

Ability to communicate orally to staff/visitors, etc.

Preferred Qualifications

Two years of experience in equipment operation and maintenance of equipment such as trucks, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, boats, ATV's, snowmobiles, and other related equipment.

Working knowledge of civil engineering, landscape architecture and planning process, as applicable to recreation facility design and construction.

Knowledge of organizations, groups and interests in outdoor activities.

Technical school certificates, licensure or degrees in one or more of the following: carpentry, construction, electrical repair, plumbing, masonry, small engine repair/automotive, or HVAC.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment.  The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. 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. 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 Allen Parochka at allen.parochka@state.mn.us or 507-765-7064.

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.