NR Tech- Conservation Aide

Job ID: 91443

Location: New Ulm

Telework Eligible: No

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted: 03/28/2026

Closing Date: 04/17/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 4

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 7:00am to 5:30pm

Days of Work: Monday - Thursday

Travel Required: Yes - 25%

Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME

Work Area: New Ulm Region

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) NR Technician position located in New Ulm, Minnesota. Days of work are Monday through Thursday, hours of work are 7:00am - 5:30pm. 

This position exists to provide technical assistance to DNR Parks and Trails professional conservation resource managers such as District Resource Specialist (NR Park Specialist Senior-Resource Management), Regional Resource Supervisor (NR Supervisor-Ecological Services) and DNR Parks and Trails paraprofessional resource managers (NR Technician-Wildlife). This position assists in implementing and directing the natural habitat & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails in the Southern region of Minnesota. These tasks involve physical labor such as digging, lifting, shoveling, hauling, carrying, bending, pushing, and climbing. Most of the work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Participation in prescribed fire/wild land fire is required. Herbicides and chainsaw use is required.  

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implement resource management activities to protect and improve wetland, grassland, and forest resources in accordance with division policy and procedure. 
• Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
• Conduct prescribed burns and / or responds to wildfires and incidents as assigned. 
• Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and 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.
• Inventories and surveys plant and animal species to better evaluate community diversity/abundance.
• Assists program staff with mentoring and training of field crews in plant identification, chainsaw safety, herbicide best management practices, and prescribed fire. 

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.

Minimum Qualifications

• One year (12 months) of experience in natural resources or habitat management.

Additional Requirements: 

• Ability to direct work activities to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups. 
• Ability to transport and operate heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements. 
• Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaw / brush saws, pumps, sprayers, UHV's, ATV's power tools, and other equipment. 
• Ability to apply herbicides pesticides
• Ability to identify Minnesota flora and manage native and invasive plant species. 
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses. 
• Ability to become certified as chainsaw Faller 3.

Preferred Qualifications

• One Year (12 months) experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
• One year (12 months) experience operating and maintaining small power tools, hand tools, bush saws, trucks, UTV's and ATV's. 
• Experience transporting and operating heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
• Advanced experience in safe and efficient operation of chainsaws saws (S-212 or equivalent training). 
• Certification as Faller 2 level or higher.
• Experience conducting prescribed burns.
• Current certification as a Basic Firefighter - FFT2 or above.

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 Molly Tranel Nelson at molly.tranel@state.mn.us or 507-233-1226.

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 Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@state.mn.us.

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.