At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

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

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/30/2024
• Closing Date: 05/20/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife / Region 2
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, for field work and meetings
• Salary Range: $32.16 - $46.56 / hourly; $67,150 - $97,217 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking an Area Wildlife Supervisor to plan, implement, promote, and direct wildlife management programs within the Grand Rapids Wildlife Work Area to benefit the citizens of Minnesota. The Grand Rapids Wildlife Work Area encompasses Itasca County and portions of Koochiching and Cass Counties.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordination: To promote and establish cooperation and partnerships with other DNR disciplines, government agencies, tribes, industry, organized groups, and citizens so that people work together to protect and manage wildlife populations and habitat.
• Supervision: To hire, supervise, train, motivate and evaluate staff so that they work safely, efficiently, and cooperatively to accomplish DNR objectives and policy.
• Operations: To develop and implement plans, budgets, cooperative agreements, and administrative operations so that wildlife management is accomplished in accordance with DNR goals and policies.
• Wildlife Protection: To protect wildlife and natural plant communities through habitat evaluation, land acquisition, private land initiatives, and environmental review so that healthy and diverse wildlife habitats will be maintained on the landscape.
• Public Land Management: To protect, maintain and improve wildlife habitat on public lands so that appropriate wildlife population levels and diversity goals are achieved, and recreational opportunities are provided.
• Population Management: To monitor and manage wildlife populations so that population levels are maintained that provide recreational enjoyment on a sustainable basis and human-wildlife conflicts are minimized.
• Information and Education: To provide information and education so that the public understands, appreciates, and supports wildlife management programs and ecosystem management goals.

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, field work, training, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology or a closely related natural resources field.
• Four (4) years of professional level experience with increasing responsibility in the areas of wildlife management, wildlife research, ecology, or a closely related field sufficient to plan, implement, promote, and direct wildlife management.
• Working knowledge of forest, brushland, and wetland ecology and respective wildlife population and habitat management techniques including the use of prescribed fire and water level management.
• Knowledge of wildlife damage management and hunting and trapping traditions, methods, and regulations.
• Demonstrated supervisory or lead worker experience that incorporates coaching and conflict resolution skills to effectively lead, train, educate, and set expectations for others.
• Ability to treat employees equitably and inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
• Experience successfully managing and prioritizing a large and multifaceted workload, planning and accomplishing projects, and evaluating accomplishments.
• Experience successfully building partnerships and working in collaboration with internal and external partners and agencies.
• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.
• Communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate in public and through traditional and social media to reach the public with a conservation message.
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications, presentation software, document management (electronic and paper), and geographic information systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in wildlife biology or a closely related natural resources field.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience where duties include hiring, employee development, and performance management of diverse work teams.
• Experience developing and successfully implementing budgets and operational plans.
• Experience with land acquisition procedures and related state programs and laws.
• On-the-ground experience leading and planning prescribed burns for wildlife habitat management.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations guiding hunting and management of wildlife populations and lands.
• Experience resolving conflicts with wildlife-related stakeholder groups, including but not limited to hunters, farmers, local government representatives, and conservation organizations.
• Experience in other natural resources disciplines such as fisheries, forestry, forest ecology, shallow lakes management, soil conservation, and hydrology to guide the development of partnerships and projects.

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

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.

If you have questions about the position, contact Lindsey Shartell at lindsey.shartell@state.mn.us or 218-328-8870.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact 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 McMillen at rebecca.mcmillen@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.