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Working Title: Wildlife Section Manager
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Manager
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 80291
  • 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: 09/18/2024
  • Closing Date: 10/08/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife / F&W Director Staff
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $46.68 - $67.01 / hourly; $97,467 - $139,916 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union:  220 - Manager/Unrep
  • 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 leads the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Section of Wildlife -- directing, managing, and implementing a comprehensive statewide wildlife habitat, populations, and research program, including hunting and trapping season management, wildlife programs, field operations, budget development, and personnel management to meet section, division, and department goals within budget and policy parameters. The incumbent also serves on the Division of Fish and Wildlife Leadership and Management Team and participates on interdisciplinary and interdivisional teams as assigned. The Section Manager is a leader in agency efforts to create and support a work team that reflects and supports the diversity of thought and experience present in Minnesota.

Responsibilities include:

  • Supporting a diverse, healthy, safe and productive work environment
  • Working collaboratively with Division of Fish and Wildlife managers and other divisions to implement departmental policies and programs
  • Working collaboratively with Division of Fish and Wildlife managers to make decisions on and administer division policies, programs and activities
  • Directing wildlife field operations across Minnesota
  • Directing wildlife population management and regulations work
  • Directing wildlife research programs
  • Directing wildlife section budget, fiscal management communications and administrative activities
  • Directing wildlife resource protection programs, including wildlife land acquisition.

This position will report to DNR Central Office in St. Paul but can be located at any of the following DNR locations: St. Paul, New Ulm, Grand Rapids, Bemidji, or Brainerd. 

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location or field sites on a regular basis for fieldwork, training, and meetings.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, ecology, natural resources management or closely related area.

A minimum of three (3) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising wildlife management or research sufficient to advise, monitor and support section operations.

Demonstrated organizational skills with the ability to maintain and prioritize workloads focusing on long-range issues and directions while meeting short-term operational demands and anticipating future expectations.

Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff and form/maintain interdisciplinary partnerships and teams.

Experience directing and overseeing budgets, programs, projects, and work of professional level staff.

Demonstrated human relations and communication skills, effective writing, listening, persuasion and ability to develop consensus among diverse interests in an objective and fair manner.

Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions on policy/program direction, staff, budget, etc.

Problem solving skills sufficient to define, understand, analyze, prioritize and recommend solutions to complex problems related to operations, policy and program priorities.

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with elected officials, tribal and local governments, organizations, boards, or councils.

Demonstrated ability to lead a program or unit effectively while working within a larger organization in support of broader goals.

Demonstrated commitment to create and support work teams that reflect diversity of thought and experience.

Experience in long range and strategic planning as well as development of operational and project plans.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree or other education/training in areas pertinent to the position responsibilities.

Knowledge of current conservation issues facing Minnesota natural resources.

Knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of wildlife habitat management approaches such as restoration, enhancement, and protection in a collaborative environment involving multiple partners.

Knowledge of comprehensive strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to direct and participate in the generation of strategic, species, habitat, unit and system plans.

Knowledge of statutes, policies, and legislative processes.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.

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.  

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 Kelly Straka at kelly.straka@state.mn.us or 612-390-3677.

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.