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: NR Tech Wildlife
Job Class: NR Tech Wildlife
Agency: Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/09/2024
• Closing Date: 05/29/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday; occasional weekends
• Travel Required: Yes - Occasional
• Salary Range: $22.26 - $31.38 / hourly; $46,479 - $65,521 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Montevideo, MN
• Employment Condition: Unlimited, Full-Time
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• 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 as an integral part of the DNR Wildlife’s Region 4 Roving Wildlife Habitat Crew in Montevideo, MN. The primary duties of this position are to provide technical and labor support in developing and implementing wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration activities on prairie and wetland systems on public lands open to public hunting with in the DNR Southern Region.

The nature of the work may require a high degree of flexibility in hours and days worked on a seasonal basis. Extensive day and occasional overnight may be required. During the prescribed burn season, crew members will be conducting burns on a weather dependent basis, which means possible weekends and extended/long hours.

Responsibilities Include:

• Conducting prescribed burning preparation, planning, writing, and operations under the direction of the Roving Crew Supervisor or Rx Burn Boss on state or federal hunting lands in the region.
• Providing technical and logistical support and labor needed to conduct wetland and grassland habitat restoration and enhancement operations on state or federal hunting lands in the region.
• Coordinating with the Roving Crew Supervisor in the administration and operational responsibilities so that wildlife habitat management activities performed by the Roving Crew are smoothly and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, and legal mandates.
• Conducting regular and required maintenance on facilities, fleet, and specialized resource management power equipment as well as on hand tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
• Keeping current in maintaining prescribed fire qualifications, pesticide, GIS, and equipment training as coordinated.

Minimum Qualifications

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. Please review the "How to Apply" section below to ensure that the application materials submitted accurately reflect any certifications and fire training/qualifications.

• One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include skills and applied knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire or wildfire suppression techniques and methods; construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
• 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.
• Position requires strenuous manual labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, moving, pushing, pulling, and ascending/descending, often in hot, smoky, and otherwise adverse weather and environmental conditions.
• Experience in applying wildland fire techniques and equipment including the incident command system, ignition and fire suppression techniques, fire behavior, pumps, and hand tools.
• Experience using GPS and GIS.
• Qualified as FFT2 (Fire Fighter Type 2) or MFIRB (MN Firing Boss).
• Faller 3 chainsaw operation certified or moderate chainsaw operation experience.
• 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, maintenance and minor repair of equipment and tools that include but are not limited to 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).
• Knowledge and applied skills in basic equipment operation, maintenance and repair of power tools (chainsaws, brush saws, ATV's, sprayers, seeding drills, construction power tools).
• Working knowledge of computers, email, word processing, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information, keep records, and write reports.
• Leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills sufficient to direct, develop, and engage staff, address complex and confidential issues, and work as a productive member of teams.
• Ability to efficiently communicate in a loud/challenging environment (When conducting burns, using equipment, etc.)
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Ability to communicate (written and oral) and interact positively while directing labor crews, or while associating with adjacent landowners, sportsmen, farmers, and the general public.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current possession of a valid Class A Driver’s License (CDL).
• Two (2) years or more 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; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
• Two (2) years of experience in safely operating farm, construction, and other similar equipment such as but not limited to: agricultural tractors, skid steers, dozers, dump trucks, equipment trailers, boats, and UTV/ATVs.
• Current Faller 1 or 2 chainsaw operation certification.
• Qualified as a FFT1 (Fire Fighter Type 1)
• Qualified as any NWCG Single Resource Boss (ex: Firing Boss, Engine Boss, Crew Boss, Heavy Equipment, Felling, Helicopter).
• Qualified as NWCG ICT4 (Incident Commander Type 4) or higher.
• Qualified or a trainee as MRXB3 (MN Burn Boss 3), MRXB2 (MN Burn Boss 2), RXB3 (NWCG Burn Boss 3), RXB2 (NWCG Burn Boss 2), or higher.
• Currently certified Pesticide applicator and pesticide application experience.
• Working knowledge of soil types and their capabilities, wetland restoration techniques, weed control methods, and prairie reconstruction techniques.
• Working knowledge of computer programs such as ArcMap, Excel, Word, Adobe Pro, and photo editing software.
• Skills in maintaining or repairing agricultural or construction type of equipment, power and hand tools.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class A Driver's License with a clear driving record, in addition to passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening 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. 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

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.

Within your application, submit two (2) attachments. In the first attachment, include a copy of your resume which clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications. In the second attachment (use the letter of interest option to attach), include a single file that contains a copy of your qualification card (“red card”), Incident Qualification System (IQS) or Incident Qualification, and Certification System (IQCS) master report, or scans of all your fire training certificates and first two pages of task books (all contained in one file). Failure to do so may result in your application not being considered.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Louise Spiczka at louise.spiczka@state.mn.us or 320-301-0421.

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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@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.