Working Title: NR Spec Int WL Research

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate - Wildlife Research

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 77499

• Location : Madelia

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Limited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 07/05/2024

• Closing Date : 08/01/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : DNR Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes; travel to meetings and field sites for data collection is required

• Salary Range: $26.04 - $37.98 / hourly; $54,372 - $79,302 / annually

• Classified Status : Unclassified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• End Date : 08/30/2027

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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.

This position exists to support the Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group (hereafter, FaWPRG) in Minnesota’s farmland landscape by: assisting the Ungulate Project Leader/Research Scientist II (hereafter, RSII) and other FaWPRG research staff in planning, executing, and reporting original research on white-tailed deer and elk populations and their habitats; assisting the RSII in evaluating impacts of wildlife management policies and changing land-use practices on white-tailed deer and elk; assisting the RSII in developing and evaluating new techniques to conserve and manage white-tailed deer and elk populations; disseminating advanced technical expertise to resource professionals and the public; and representing the department at meetings. This is a temporary position anticipated to end around August 30, 2027.

This position 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. The position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis (multiple days per week) for meetings, training, onboarding, business needs, and as required by the supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

• Master's degree (thesis) in wildlife ecology or management, or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.

• Transcript requirement:

• A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/biology.

• One (1) course in each: chemistry or physics; statistics; communication; and ecology.

• At least four (4) additional wildlife or ecology, or related courses, such as animal or plant taxonomy, comparative anatomy or physiology, soils or geology, mammalogy, ornithology, parasitology, etc.

Additional requirements:

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology and management, data analysis and interpretation sufficient to conduct research investigations, interpret and analyze data, and prepare final reports and support research activities of Research Scientists.

• Ability to design, organize, and conduct management-oriented wildlife research.

• Ability to conduct many phases of field work including capturing and handling wildlife animals, aerial and terrestrial radio telemetry, vegetation/habitat data collection, and wildlife surveys.

• Computer proficiency, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and statistical programs sufficient to manage data input, retrieval and compilation, design simple computer programs, maintain databases and train others to use these systems.

• Analytic skills to conduct research and evaluate others' research.

• Experience authoring and publishing scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

• Communication skills sufficient to maintain exemplary relationships with Minnesota wildlife managers and answer relevant research questions.

• Ability to communicate orally and in written form with diverse audiences, including both lay and peer groups, sufficient to document and disseminate completed research results.

• Ability to work effectively and courteously with people.

• Ability to lead the work of others.

• Ability to work in teams and alone in the field with minimal supervision, and problem solve when issues arise.

• Capability to operate and maintain a variety of equipment including: traps designed for capturing ungulates, and ATVs/UTVs.

• Ability to use Access, ArcGIS, and R.

Preferred Qualifications

• Research and/or management experience with ungulates.

• Experience with radiotelemetry projects involving ungulates, including radio collar testing, developing capture and monitoring protocols, and responding to mortality events.

• Experience developing and following protocols for surveying deer in farmland and transition habitats both by ground (e.g. vehicle, camera traps) and the air (e.g. helicopter or plane).

• Demonstrated proficiency with Program R and ArcGIS.

• Experience leading the work of others.

• Demonstrated ability to think critically and develop research questions based off of field data.

• Publication of research results in the peer-reviewed literature, including at least 1 publication in a wildlife management oriented journal (e.g., Journal of Wildlife Management, Wildlife Society Bulletin).

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.