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Farmed Wildlife and Feral Swine Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Farmed Wildlife and Feral Swine Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92992
  • Location: Brainerd
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 04/03/2026
  • Closing Date: 04/23/2026
  • 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: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / 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 Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to hire one (1) full-time unlimited Farmed Wildlife and Feral Swine Coordinator located in Brainerd, Minnesota. This position coordinates and administers the division's responsibilities related to farmed white-tail deer, fur farm, game farm, and feral swine management. This position will work closely with the Board of Animal Health (BAH), DNR’s Division of Enforcement, DNR’s Wildlife Health Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), MN Fur Farmers groups, MN Game Farmer groups, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), and Universities on issues pertinent to each respective agency on farmed deer, game farm, fur farm and feral swine issues. 

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist the Farmed and Feral Species Program Supervisor in statewide management of farmed white-tailed deer, game and fur farms, and feral swine by the Department of Natural Resources and work closely with the DNR Division of Enforcement and other state and federal agencies in a manner that provides service to deer, game, and fur farmers and minimizes the risk of disease spread to wild species and negative impacts on the ecosystem.
  • Serve as a DNR point of contact regarding farmed white-tailed deer, fur and game farms and feral swine budget and help identify budget priorities related to farmed white-tailed deer, fur farms, game farms and feral swine.
  • Serve as a DNR point of contact regarding farmed white-tailed deer, fur farms, game farms and feral swine regulations and communications and help identify communication and outreach priorities related to farmed white-tailed deer, fur farm, game farm and feral swine.
  • Perform other duties as required.  These duties will include, but not be limited to, Feral swine and other species management, response or permitting, assisting the Department of Natural Resources or other agencies with ongoing efforts to survey and manage disease concerns impacting farmed white-tailed deer, fur farm and game farm animals and feral swine as needed

 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, animal science, ecology, veterinary science, public health, or closely related field.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience in wildlife health, wildlife management, or veterinary medicine sufficient to identify epidemiologic risks associated with wildlife health and disease and risk to ecosystems associated with escaped farmed wildlife or livestock.
  • Knowledge of domestic livestock or captive animal/wildlife management practices and operations.
  • Human relations skills sufficient to coordinate and achieve cooperation with the agencies, stakeholder groups, public, peers and staff.
  • Ability to direct colleagues and teams; plan, manage, and implement projects and programs with tight deadlines.
  • Ability to effectively communicate with others, using appropriate style as necessary to further program objectives when not all staff or stakeholders are supportive.
  • Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences including the public, colleagues, and superiors.
  • Ability to work with others to achieve a common objective, including strong conflict resolution skills. 
  • Database management skills sufficient to manipulate, analyze, and develop databases for biological, budgetary and project management data related to the farmed deer, farmed wildlife species program and feral swine.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in wildlife biology, animal science, ecology, veterinary science, public health, or closely related field.
  • Experience in collecting and assessing biological data to develop management and/or regulatory recommendations for cervid or other wildlife populations or farmed wildlife species.
  • Experience with high profile and controversial wildlife health or management issues, including knowledge of chronic wasting disease and other farmed wildlife diseases.
  • Experience coordinating projects with regulatory agencies or multidisciplinary teams.
  • Experience drafting policy recommendations for regulatory use.
  • Experience with media interviews, public and staff presentations, and communicating with public about controversial topics.

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 this position, contact Eric Nelson at eric.nelson@state.mn.us or 218-203-4336.

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.

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.