You are viewing a preview of this job. Log in or register to view more details about this job.
Email

Area Wildlife Supervisor
Job Class: Natural Resources Area Supervisor - Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 85066
  • Location: Rochester
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 03/27/2025
  • Closing Date: 04/16/2025
  • 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: $33.61 - $48.66 / hourly; $70,177 - $101,602 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
  • 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 Section of Wildlife seeks a self-motivated, adaptable, and dedicated leader to fill the Area Wildlife Supervisor position at the Rochester Work Area.  This full-time position will direct, supervise, and manage wildlife management activities, engage in outreach with citizens, and collaborate with partners in a six-county work area (Goodhue, Wabasha, Olmsted, Winona, Fillmore, and Houston Counties). There are endless opportunities for this wildlife supervisor to impact habitat improvement projects on over 49 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and lead a highly functioning team of Natural Resource professionals, while promoting an understanding and appreciation for wildlife and the habitats they utilize. 

Responsibilities include:

  • Perform supervisory and administrative functions consistent with regional and division objectives.
  • Provide technical assistance to private landowners so that wildlife values on private lands can be enhanced and preserved.
  • Plan and implement wildlife management and development activities on WMAs so wildlife resources are managed or enhanced using ecosystem-based management concepts and department guidelines.
  • Assess and monitor the needs and status of wild birds and wild animals so that essential population information is available when implementing restoration, conservation, management, and enhancement. 
  • Foster collaboration and coordination in response to statewide wildlife disease and depredation issues within the local work area.
  • Lead the promotion of partnerships, outreach with citizens, organizations, other DNR disciplines, and media to foster understanding, appreciation, and support for natural public lands and quality resource management.

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 on a weekly basis for meetings, training, onboarding, etc.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.
  • Four (4) years of professional level experience that reflects increasing responsibility in the areas of wildlife management, ecology, or closely related field sufficient to develop, administer, and support wildlife management.
  • Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff, work to resolve conflict, motivate people, train others and work as a productive member of teams.
  • Demonstrated ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
  • Experience successfully setting work priorities, managing a large and multifaceted workload, carrying multiple projects through to completion, and evaluating accomplishments.
  • Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Experience successfully resolving multifaceted conflicts involving internal and external constituents with the ability to uphold the culture of respect. 
  • Working knowledge of policies guiding human resource, state regulations, and fiscal management including managing complex budgets and projects with fund integrity.
  • Working knowledge of native grassland, forest, brushland, and wetland ecology, and respective management techniques.
  • Knowledge of hunting and trapping traditions, methods, and the ability to comprehend laws, rules, policies, and procedures. 
  • Experience with computers including, communication, database manipulation, word processing, Global Information Systems (GIS), sufficient to create, modify, and manipulate documents and or data.
  • Experience using and implementing prescribed fire as a management tool.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in negotiation and consensus building with diverse groups. Includes critical thinking skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous and/or controversial situations, make difficult decisions, and persuade others of the merits of a position or proposal that supports/advocates for the mission of the division/department and build consensus among varied and sometimes conflicting opinions.
  • On-the-ground experience leading and planning prescribed burns as a MNRXB2 Minnesota Burn Boss Type 2 or NWCG RXB2 Burn Boss. 
  • Knowledge of land acquisition procedures and experience presenting to county boards. 
  • Two (2) years' experience as a supervisor of (full-time, unlimited) professional employees, where duties include hiring, employee development, performance management, etc. 
  •  Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations guiding hunting and management of wildlife populations and lands. 
  • Experience engaging and resolving conflicts with specific wildlife-related stakeholder groups, including but not limited to hunters, farmers, local government representatives, etc. 
  • Experience developing and successfully implementing budgets and operational plans. 
  • Strong leadership, personnel management, and organizational skills and experience.
  • Experience planning and implementing habitat restoration and management projects including seeking appropriate funding, project planning and design, implementation, and monitoring.

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 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 Gretchen Miller at gretchen.miller@state.mn.us or 651-259-5768.

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.