Fisheries Research Administrative Specialist

Fisheries Research Administrative Specialist
Job Class: Office and Administrative Specialist, Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 92621
• 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: 03/11/2026
• Closing Date: 03/31/2026
• 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: $22.23 - $30.09 / hourly; $46,416 - $62,827 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Division of Fish & Wildlife, Central Office Headquarters
• 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 provides key administrative, fiscal, clerical, and customer service support to help department programs operate efficiently and effectively, the public is served efficiently, state requirements and federal aid guidelines are met, and fisheries and wildlife resources are managed, protected, sustained, and enhanced for the greatest public benefit. This position is the only administrative support staff for the Fisheries Research program, which conducts applied fisheries research to better inform management decision making, and has staff located at area office located throughout Minnesota. This position provides lead work direction and coordination to OAS staff in one or multiple offices, provides periodic support to other programs and divisions, and is the point person for Fisheries Research inquiries. This position must be able to handle a broad scope of operations and issues, multiple programs with complicated rules and procedures included but not limited to the scientific and educational permitting program, and possesses significant autonomy. At this level, incumbents are responsible for an administrative area that typically supports a complex program. Responsibilities include:

• Perform office management and administrative support functions to meet customers’ needs.
• Support budget management, grant tracking, purchasing, and fleet/asset management so that financial obligations are met timely and incompliance with State, Federal, and DNR policies and procedures. Gathers, verifies, and summarizes data for fiscal and administrative reports. Provides technical advice to office staff. Schedules, trains, and gives technical guidance to co-workers.
• Process and archive reports in accordance with State and Federal retention guidelines. Maintain thorough knowledge of data-entry and result retrieval with department and division database programs.
• Assist in the entire process for issuing scientific and educational permits, including providing customers with the information needed to apply for permits, providing an initial review of permit applications for completeness and accuracy, preparing permit applications for technical review by the Permit Administrator, and process and enter permits and reports into the permit database.
• Provide lead work guidance and direction to other clerical staff by coordinating work and ensuring responsibilities are being done in an accurate and timely manner.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Customer service skills sufficient to remain courteous, helpful, tactful, effective and professional in manner, while serving as the information specialist regarding projects, working under time constraints, working with diverse people, and with conflicting priorities.

English skills sufficient to generate readable and accurate written materials (e.g., letters, memos, reports and instructional documents) free of spelling and grammar errors.

Database management skills and knowledge sufficient to enter, compile, research and create reports and analyze suggestions for modifications or upgrades to database systems.

Word processing and typing skills sufficient to prepare advanced correspondence, documents, informational articles, policies and procedure statements.

Accounting and budgeting skills sufficient to create purchasing orders, code invoices, track budgets and maintain accurate financial records and reports.

Spreadsheet skills sufficient to organize data and enter information from a variety of sources, compile lists, and prepare spreadsheets necessary for tracking budgets, expenditures and projects.

Accounting skills and business principles sufficient to analyze, interpret, compile, and reconcile items purchased or services rendered.

Leadwork skills sufficient to review and resolve complex issues.

Demonstrated experience establishing and maintaining electronic and paper filing systems.

Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects of varying size and complexity.

Ability to interpret and analyze general operating policies, procedures and documents to make recommendations to management for new or revised administrative and program practices and procedures for smooth and efficient office operations.

Preferred Qualifications

Three (3) years of general office experience including, but not limited to writing, keyboarding, editing, filing, electronic publishing, workload organization, public relations, postal and other shipping methods and regulations, and operation of various office equipment (e.g. copy machines, telephones, faxes, printers).

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access) at an advanced level sufficient to compose, create, modify, and publish documents and materials.

Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro sufficient to manage PDF documents.

Advanced organization skills using project management and/or other measures such as computer software programs that enable efficient work organization, including the work of others.

Workload organization and scheduling skills are required to effectively manage office operations, work under time constraints and large workloads, and to complete work assignments.

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. 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 Patrick Schmalz at patrick.schmalz@state.mn.us or 651-259-5231.

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.