Working Title: Elk Research Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 88540
Location : Middle River
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Temporary
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/20/2025
Closing Date : 10/10/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife
Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies
Days of Work : Varies
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $21.04 - $29.24 / hourly; $43,931 - $61,053 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees - AFSCME
Work Area: Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area
Anticipated Start Date : 11/17/2025
End Date : 08/14/2026
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.
The DNR is currently seeking to fill two full-time, temporary Natural Resources Technician positions anticipated to start November 17, 2025, and ending in August 2026. These positions will be located and conduct work in, or near, Grygla and Karlstad, Minnesota and occasionally in adjacent areas of Canada. The work schedule (days and hours) will vary, and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. These positions will support a study of elk life history, including adult and calf survival and habitat use in Minnesota. The technicians will assist the Research Scientist 3 in conducting field work, capturing and handling adult and calf elk to attach GPS tracking collars, scouting trapping locations, communicating with landowners, constructing and operating corral traps, assisting with helicopter capture operations, monitoring adult and calf survival and movements, collecting habitat data and biological samples, recording observational notes, entering and reviewing data, and maintaining data collection equipment. The positions will be based at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area near Grygla, MN, and in Karlstad MN with travel to field sites in Marshall, Kittson, and nearby counties.
Field housing is available at no cost, primarily at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area and in Karlstad, MN.
Responsibilities include:
Capture adult and calf elk, collect biological and observational data from elk, perform field necropsies, collect habitat and vegetation data and other samples in the field responsibly and safely for the project, or other projects as needed, including collecting samples and data in challenging weather conditions and sometimes for long periods of time.
Perform accurate collection and entry of observational data and biological samples into datasheets, tablets, and databases as appropriate so that data and samples are available for review and analysis.
Assist Research Scientist and other project personnel to properly maintain field equipment for use, storage, and transit.
This position requires the ability to work outdoors in harsh winter and summer conditions while carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment for long periods of time. This work may be completed alone and/or in teams, including remote areas during nonstandard work hours.
Minimum Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and collecting biological data in wildlife field settings.
Demonstrated ability to navigate terrain over distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
Ability to safely handle wild elk for biological sample collection and GPS collaring purposes.
Experience collecting vegetation and habitat data, including following common vegetation sampling techniques.
Communication skills sufficient to effectively relay or receive technical information, communicate with peers and members of the public, and record field data.
Skill in use of standard software programs for word processing, creating/editing spreadsheets, and databases sufficient to accurately enter scientific data into data tablets, datasheets, and databases.
Demonstrated ability to drive 4WD trucks on minimally maintained roads that may be covered in snow and mud.
Ability to operate snowmobiles and ATVs.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
Work experience safely handling elk or other wild ungulates, such as deer and moose.
Work experience with radio-telemetry homing techniques.
Experience interacting with public land managers, private landowners, and the general public.
Experience independently troubleshooting and resolving problems.
Experience performing field necropsies and mortality site investigations.
Knowledge of and experience identifying Minnesota vegetation (forbs, shrubs, and trees).
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.
This position requires the ability to cross the border into Canada to conduct Elk related research, therefore a passport is required.
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
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.
