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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Fish and Wildlife Habitat Coordinator-MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 77830
  • 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: 06/26/2024
  • Closing Date: 07/16/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
  • Division/Unit: DNR Fish and Wildlife
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes; Intermittent to meetings and field site visits
  • Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / 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

 

The DNR is currently seeking a NR Program Coordinator to administer a statewide program for development of prairie and wetland habitat projects for the Division of Fish and Wildlife (FAW). Position will provide direction to ensure effective and efficient administration of prairie and wetland habitat projects for the Climate Resiliency, Inflation Reduction Act, and other special project funding. The position will coordinate with FAW staff to administer prairie and wetland habitat restoration and enhancement projects with guidance on funds, planning, execution, and monitoring of habitat enhancement contracts for prairie and wetland work.  This position will also take on special initiative projects for FAW.   This position serves to provide technical assistance to area, regional, state program staff and conservation partners in their project development and work planning. Finally, this position will provide statewide budget management to ensure prairie and wetland habitat project funding sources (e.g. Climate Resiliency, Inflation Reduction Act, Game and Fish, other special initiatives) are properly expended per MN Statutes and Department policies.

Responsibilities include:

Assist in managing prairie and wetland habitat statewide by managing Climate Resiliency and Inflation Reduction Act projects that qualify for funding based on funding rules and high-quality science for habitat management. This means integrating technical information and modern restoration and enhancement techniques for innovative approaches to address resource needs. 

Administer the Division’s Climate Resiliency and Inflation Reduction Act funding in coordination with the FAW Prairie Habitat Supervisor, Wetland Habitat Supervisor, and Operation and Development Supervisor, including continuous improvement of policies, procedures and best practices used within the program and on the ground.

Manage special contracting projects statewide at the section or division level that come up through the fiscal year, as directed by supervisor, Wildlife Section Management or FAW Division Leadership.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a full or part-time basis which is subject to change.  If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

This posting will be used to fill one (1) vacancy with a preferred work location in Glenwood, MN or an Area or Regional Wildlife office located in the Bemidji, St. Paul, or New Ulm, MN regions. The selected candidate may have the option to report to other existing DNR offices. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, ecology, natural resources management, or closely related field.

Three (3) years of professional experience in wildlife management programs, habitat development techniques and field operations, sufficient to identify or provide direction for the protection, enhancement, and restoration of Wildlife Management Areas.

Experience administering budgets, preparing budget requests, and authorizing expenditures.

Advanced knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to conservation and natural resource management as well as practices of prairie and wetland establishment, management, and enhancement needs and techniques.

Knowledge of and experience with wetland ecosystem management. This includes detailed knowledge of limnology, management of wetland ecology and classification, ecology and taxonomy of aquatic and moist soil plants, wetland wildlife habitat requirements, ecological responses to changes in hydrology and fish populations, habitat survey techniques, and boat and water safety.

Knowledge of and experience with prairie ecosystem management activities such as prescribed burning, grazing, tree removal, and prairie and wetland seed mix, design, and planting.

Human relations skills sufficient to coordinate and achieve cooperation with the 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.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in wildlife management, ecology, natural resources management, or closely related field.

Three (3) years of professional experience in wetland and prairie habitat development techniques and field operations.

Experience with complex budget and funding processes and optimizing resource allocation within constraints.

Experience administering state contracts and overseeing projects to completion.

 

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.

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. 

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 job information line 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 Scott Noland at scott.noland@state.mn.us or 651-539-3307.

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 Rebecca Mortellaro at rebecca.mortellaro@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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.