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: FIN Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/21/2023
• Closing Date: 07/11/2023
• 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: $23.62 - $34.45 / hourly; $49,318 - $71,931 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• 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.

This position exists to coordinate and implement the Fishing in the Neighborhood Program in the three county (Carver, Hennepin & Scott) West Metro Fisheries Area.

Primary duties for this position include:

• To establish and maintain an ongoing working relationship with local unit of government officials, including their parks and recreation staff, in order to develop and implement expanded fishing opportunities on waters within their parks, primarily for shore based anglers.
• Investigate new methods for providing additional angling opportunities and new sources of fish to support these opportunities.
• Assist Area Fisheries Office staff with traditional fish management programs.
• Monitor and assess new and ongoing programs and projects to assure most efficient use of funding is being realized and cost ratios are maximized.
• Host Fishing in the Neighborhood angling and education events requested by local schools, city parks and recreation departments, non-profit groups, etc., at nearby FiN lakes or lakes with shore fishing access.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

Transcript requirements:

• To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be 'C-' or higher.

Two (2) years of professional level experience in fisheries management, research, and/or fish propagation. A Master's degree or Ph.D. will substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Ability to maintain and safely operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, ATVs, snowmobiles, small engines, etc.

Interpersonal skills to effectively interact and communicate with a diverse customer base interested or involved in resourcemanagement including the ability to work as part of a multijurisdictional team.

Demonstrated communication and writing skills sufficient to draft lake and creel survey reports.

Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather and environmental conditions on a frequent basis.

Computer literacy, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Knowledge of fisheries sampling techniques, fisheries science applications, fish handling, and distribution.

GIS/GPS experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience leading and organizing the completion of fisheries investigative studies and/or fish habitat improvement projects.

Advanced GIS/GPS skills. GIS/GPS technical experience, such as map making and/or analysis of geo-referenced data sets.

Experience designing and maintaining databases.

Public speaking experience and/or human dimensions coursework.

Strong, demonstrated technical writing skills.

Demonstrated experience providing guidance and lead work direction to others.

Familiarity with computer applications such as FishPAD, Lake Survey, etc.

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.

It is policy of the Department of the Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license 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 Daryl Ellison at daryl.ellison@state.mn.us or 952-236-5171.

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.

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.