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Working Title: Wildlife Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 77555
  • Location: Thief River Falls
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 06/18/2024
  • Closing Date: 07/08/2024
  • 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: No
  • Salary Range: $22.26 - $31.38 / hourly; $46,478 - $65,521 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
  • Work Area: Thief River Falls 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

The DNR is currently seeking a Wildlife Technician in Thief River Falls, MN. This position exists to execute wildlife management plans, conduct supporting field work, and protect and manage northern prairie, wetland, brushland, and forest wildlife populations and plant communities in the Thief River Falls Wildlife Work Area and other public lands in the surrounding area. 

Responsibilities include:

Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment, and tools in order to plan and implement approved area wildlife habitat maintenance and development projects on WMAs, State Forests, and other public lands so that wildlife resources and public use are enhanced.

Plan and implement the maintenance and development of public user and DNR management facilities including but not limited to roads, hunter walking trails, firebreaks, parking lots, boat landings, gates, kiosks, docks, signs, boundary lines, culverts, dikes, water control structures, and emergency spillways.

Monitor and manage wildlife populations so that population levels are maintained to provide recreational enjoyment on a sustainable basis, and so that human-wildlife conflicts are minimized.

Document and submit required administrative forms, accomplishment summaries, inventories, and collected information timely and follow department procedures and fiscal responsibilities.

Complete and maintain all required training and certifications required of the position.

Minimum Qualifications

One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire or wildfire suppression techniques and methods; construction techniques and materials; operation of agricultural and construction equipment such as front-assist tractors, bulldozers, skid steers, and commercial trucks; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others. *An associate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or equivalent field with an emphasis in wildlife coursework may substitute for the experience requirement.

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.

Position requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain. It requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level), as a condition of employment.

Ability to obtain Category A & J MN Non-Commercial Pesticide applicators license within six (6) months of hire.

Knowledge of botany, forestry, prairie, wetland and forest ecology, zoology, biology and soils, inventory and assessment, and ability to identify native and exotic species.

Knowledge and applied skills in the safe operation, transportation, and repair of common types of agricultural, construction, and vehicular equipment (tractors with loaders, skid steers, tracked vehicles, on highway vehicles, ATV/UTVs, pumps, trailers, fire equipment, tillage, planting and harvesting equipment).

Must be able to demonstrate ability to pass all required training and complete all position task books for (but not limited to) trailers, boats, snowmobile, ATV, UTV, dozer/crawler, skid steers and tractors with attachments, chain saw, brush saws, and tracked vehicles.

Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

Knowledge and skills in basic equipment maintenance and repair for tools and equipment such as power saws, vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, sprayers, seeders, snowmobiles, tractors, boats, trailers, fire equipment, skid steers and attachments, and power and hand tools.

Working knowledge of computers, email, word processing, spreadsheet software applications, and mapping software (such as ArcGIS).

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.

Ability to navigate with map, compass, and GPS.

Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information, keep records, and write reports.

Ability to communicate (written and oral) and interact positively while directing labor crews, or while associating with adjacent landowners, sportsmen/women, and the general public.

Leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff, address complex and confidential issues, and work as a productive member of teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Current possession of a valid Class A Driver’s License (CDL).

Basic wildland firefighter training (S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline, IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-700 An introduction to the National Incident Management System).

Experience utilizing prescribed fire as a management tool.

Qualified as a MFIRB (Minnesota Firing Boss – Minnesota DNR standards) or State/NWCG equivalent.

Possession of a pesticide applicators license (Categories A and J).

Ability to identify native and exotic species.

Two (2) years' experience safely operating, maintaining, repairing and transporting equipment, such as (but not limited to) heavy trucks, dump trucks, trailers, skid steers, tractors with attachments, tracked vehicles, dozer/crawlers, backhoes, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, chainsaws, brush saws, and hand/power tools.

Experience in wildlife management, forestry, and/or farming techniques.

Experience building or maintaining facilities (roads, parking lots, water control structures, kiosks, trails, gates, etc.).

Experience working with private citizens on wildlife issues including nuisance wildlife and wildlife depredation.

Experience with wildlife surveys.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one int he 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.

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

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 Doug Franke at douglas.franke@state.mn.us or 218-219-8587.

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.