Working Title: MBS Animal Survey Supervisor
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Supervisor Intermediate-Ecological Resources
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 88377
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 8/28/2025
Closing Date : 9/17/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological & Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, occasional statewide
Salary Range: $36.10 - $52.26 / hourly; $75,376 - $109,118 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
This position develops and implements a statewide program to survey, monitor and research the native and rare animal species of Minnesota as part of the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS). The position manages budgets, projects, work plans, raises funds (e.g., State Wildlife Action grants), and supervises a staff of about 12 professional vertebrate and invertebrate zoologists, data specialists, temporary employees and contractors working across the state. This position works closely with the staff and the program supervisor to collect, utilize, and interpret information on Minnesota's fauna and their habitats such that it is available to stakeholders within and outside the department for biodiversity conservation, management, and policy development.
Responsibilities include:
Develop and maintain a plan for statewide animal survey, monitoring and research as part of the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) Unit.
Prepare annual spending plans and annual/biennial budgets from state and federal sources that are consistent with overall strategic goals of the program; help to identify funding opportunities from internal and external sources so that MBS Animal projects are adequately funded to achieve stated priorities, objectives and directives.
Perform supervisory functions so that MBS Zoology staff are supported such that survey, monitoring and research activities are implemented efficiently and effectively and integrated fully with the overall goals of the Minnesota Biological Survey.
Implement, oversee, and participate in MBS Animal field surveys, monitoring and research statewide.
As part of a collaborative team, provide direction on the development of information systems and oversee the compilation, management and analysis of MBS data related to animals their habitats.
Provide technical expertise through written reports, oral presentations, published documents, field workshops and participation on teams.
Develop policy recommendations and negotiate outcomes through interdisciplinary group participation.
Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, productive and inclusive work environment for all employees.
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 an annual telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in zoology, ecology, biology, conservation biology or related field.
Four years of professional level experience designing, implementing, and participating in biological field surveys, monitoring or research, projects related to native or rare animal species, their habitats, or relevant management activities.
Professional experience in directing staff or members of a team, using skills such as coaching, meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, effective listening, and negotiation.
Administrative and budgetary skills sufficient to review, analyze and monitor project budgets in compliance with statute and departmental policy.
Project management and time management skills sufficient to prioritize multiple assignments, manage complex efforts simultaneously, and ensure timely completion of projects.
Demonstrated experience assembling, analyzing, and interpreting zoological data in formats such as GIS, GPS, data collection apps, spreadsheets, and relational databases.
Organizational, leadership, and planning skills sufficient to develop and implement long-range operational plans and short-range work plans simultaneously.
Demonstrated written and communications skills sufficient to translate highly technical information into public-facing documents and presentations that are understandable, accessible, and audience-specific.
Demonstrated collaborative skills sufficient to effectively work within an organization and with other organizations and individuals.
Human relations and coaching skills sufficient to motivate, guide, train, resolve conflicts, build consensus, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, direct reports and program staff.
Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
Preferred Qualifications
An advanced degree in zoology, ecology, biology, conservation biology or related field.
Professional experience with zoological study design, data analysis, and/or statistics.
Experience in fund-raising and/or legislative processes.
Experience with direct supervision of staff.
Experience with program or higher-level budget management.
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.
