Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist - NR Spec Eco Svcs

Working Title: Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 94393
• Location: Brainerd
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/06/2026
• Closing Date: 06/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - occasionally for meetings
• Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.96 / hourly; $51,761 - $75,084 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• 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.

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist located in Brainerd, Minnesota. This position exists to support regional staff, primarily the Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist (REAE), for the Division of Ecological and Water Resources (EWR) to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for adverse impacts to waters, fish, wildlife, and native plant resources. This position will provide and integrate science-based information on ecological processes and ecological approaches to federal, state, local government, or private development projects. It will also ensure that environmental review documents are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention is completed.

Responsibilities include:

• Gather, analyze and prepare information for the evaluation of proposed projects in the northwest and/or northeast regions that require EWR review of public water permitting (Chapter 103G), Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), COE (Section 10/404), Lands and Minerals transactions, watershed management plans, and various miscellaneous program and Division related documents so that impacts to fish and wildlife resources are accurately identified and avoided, minimized or compensated.
• Maintain a repository of project information, including project documents, comment deadlines and draft comments, so that projects are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention and posting of materials is completed.
• Complete administrative tasks necessary to carry our responsibilities according to state standards so that activities follow department and state policies.
  
  

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 regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
• Computer knowledge including spreadsheet and word processing skills.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ArcMap or ArcPro sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create maps for projects.
• Technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and disseminate review and analysis results to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to communicate with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to prioritize projects and allocate sufficient time to perform duties and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge sufficient to recognize the nature and degree of potential impacts of proposed projects on natural resources, convey those impacts to others, and make suggestions for avoidance measures.
• Ability to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, GPS equipment, or aerial maps.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
• Experience with Environmental Review or working within a regulatory program.
• Ability to conduct field work under adverse weather conditions and learn to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps and GPS.
  
  

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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. 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 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 Greg Root at greg.root@state.mn.us or 218-328-8818.

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 Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@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.