Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services

Job Description

Job Details

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 79173
Location: Little Falls
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 08/08/2024
Closing Date: 08/28/2024
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 – overnight travel statewide during field season. Generally 3 days per week.
Salary Range: $24.42 – $35.43 / hourly; $50,989 – $73,978 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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.

Job Summary

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) NR Spec Eco Svcs in Little Falls. This position exists to perform stream and river ecology fieldwork, including fish and invertebrate sampling and habitat assessments using multiple types of gear, efficient identification of fish and other aquatic and/or floodplain organisms, data entry, preparation of ecological assessment reports, and to make recommendations for additional resource assessments. This position ensures safe, efficient, and rigorous collection of fisheries and other data for streams and rivers statewide. The work occasionally includes assisting with the collection of geomorphic data with other River Ecology staff.
Responsibilities include:

Implement standardized fish community field sampling and aquatic habitat assessments on streams and rivers statewide, for the purpose of developing statistically valid habitat preference curves.
Independently prepare and maintain field and laboratory equipment to ensure efficient field sampling.
Prior to surveys, prepare required notes, maps, expected species lists, and notes from previous surveys if available, and secure site access permission from landowners. Ensure the field team is prepared for multiple days of sampling when required, including, required paperwork is completed in a timely manner.
Develop a 123 Survey database for efficiently collecting field data. Assist with management of data so that all survey and monitoring data are added to the proper database and available for analysis.
Develop new and update current fish habitat preference curves using the data collected from the standardized stream fish sampling data.
Provide the ecological data in useful formats for other professionals when requested. Present and communicate results in reports and oral presentations in an understandable way to target audiences, including the general public, water managers, and the scientific community.
Complete the field work for special projects designed to address hydrologic impacts on stream ecosystems and work as part of a team performing two-dimensional computer modeling of habitat conditions and preparing a Stream Ecosystem – Hydrology report.
Independently identify stream study sites that represent the range of habitat and biology found in the study stream based on ecological knowledge gained from previous stream surveys and an understanding of fish species requirements.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Natural Resources, Fisheries, Ecology, Limnology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Zoology, or related degree.
Experience visually assessing and taking measurements of stream habitat conditions.
Experience using wading rods and current meters.
Experience identifying fish in field and laboratory conditions, including the ability to identify small life-stages of fish species found in Minnesota.
Experience using ArcGIS.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of sound conservation and natural resources management in one of the following disciplines aquatic biology, aquatic ecology, or fisheries.
Knowledge and understanding of the biology and ecology of fish, and general ecology of aquatic ecosystems.
Knowledge of surveying stream fish communities using pre-positioned area electrofishing techniques and stream habitat surveys with a focus on identifying habitat types.
Knowledge of fish distributions and biogeography of Minnesota fishes.
Ability to compile, write, and edit clear and accurate reports sufficient to communicate technical information with professionals and the public.
Knowledge of statistics and computer software and programs sufficient to properly execute and apply analysis of data.
Ability to swim.
Ability to accurately record and enter data and perform quality control.
Ability to conduct surveys in rugged, uneven terrain, under adverse weather and other environmental conditions.
Ability to interact comfortably with individuals from diverse backgrounds and under a variety of situations, including the public.
Ability to work well in a team and independently without direct supervision.
Ability to maintain equipment used for sampling and surveying streams.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience identifying a wide range of Minnesota stream fish species under field conditions.
Experience collecting and processing fish voucher/collection specimens and identification of those specimens.
Experience operating, trailering and towing boats.
Experience with performing statistical analysis using R.
Experience using a total station or laser level for topographic and stream channel surveys.
Fluvial geomorphology training or course work.
Experience presenting scientific data.
Experience using Microsoft Access for data management and querying.
Experience creating and using ArcGIS Survey123 forms for data gathering.

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. 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

Application Details

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.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Daniel O’Shea at daniel.oshea@state.mn.us or 651-259-5127
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.