Working Title: SNA Management Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 89946
Location: Fergus Falls
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 40%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 10/31/2025
Closing Date: 11/20/2025
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 - Occasionally throughout the region, a few times a year throughout the state
Salary Range: $26.43 - $ 38.55/ hourly; $55,186 - $80,492 / annually
FLSA Status: Exempt-Professional
Bargaining Unit: 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
Classified Status: Classified
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.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking a SNA Management Specialist to work in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. This position exists to provide technical and professional support in carrying out natural resource management and development activities on private and public lands administered by the Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Unit primarily in the DNR Northwest Region.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Plan, coordinate and implement a prescribed fire program within the NW Region for SNA's, Native Prairie Bank easements and other lands under SNA unit administration.
Provide technical expertise for the development of habitat plans for the restoration, maintenance, and enhancement of prairie, forest and wetland natural communities with considerations for other plant and animal species that rely on those habitat @types, on any of the lands administered by the SNA Unit as directed or assigned so that important sites are protected and work plan goals, policies, and procedures are fulfilled.
Coordinate and implement natural resource management and development tasks with staff, crews and/or contractors on lands administered by the SNA Unit; and other land management tasks as assigned to maintain and improve native plant and animal communities and prevent or correct damage and nuisance problems.
Direct the day-to-day work of staff, CCM, volunteers, contractors and temporary crews in establishing and maintaining natural resources and facilities on lands administered by the SNA Unit.
Collaborate in the administration of management, equipment, and unit records so that resource management is smoothly, safely, and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, fiscal responsibilities, and legal mandates.
Participate as assigned in employee information, development and training programs and other educational opportunities that will ensure employee safety, enhance employee work performance, and assure proper use of equipment.
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.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and 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. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in ecology, natural resources management, or closely related field.
Two years of related professional level experience in conducting biological surveys, ecology, natural resources management.
An advanced degree in the above may substitute for one year of experience.
Familiar with large trucks, trailers, skid steers, tractors, ATVs, power tools and hand tools commonly used to implement natural resource management work. Possession of a valid Class A (Commercial) Driver's License or ability to obtain within six (6) months, as a condition of hire.
National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firing Boss (FIRB) or Minnesota Firing Boss (MN FIRB) qualified and the willingness and ability to progress to the Prescribed Fire Burn Boss level (RxB2 or MN RxB2).
Knowledge of ecology, botany, natural resource management and restoration, and the skills and abilities to carry out that management.
Knowledge of the ecology of Minnesota's natural ecosystems; including forest, woodland, peatland, savanna, prairie, and grasslands.
Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies.
Ability to identify invasive species, common native plants, and non-native plants.
Ability to compile, summarize, evaluate and interpret field data so that information can be used in the production of final reports and maps.
Organizational skills sufficient to meet permit processing requirements and prioritize work.
Interpersonal and communications skills sufficient to interact with the public, local units of government, contractors, crews, and internal staff.
Experience with personal computers, including demonstrated competence in word processing, spreadsheets, statistical software, and Geographic Information Systems, particularly ArcMap.
Demonstrated technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and disseminate information to a variety of audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in the natural sciences or closely related field.
At least one year of professional experience developing and implementing contracts for natural resource projects.
At least one year of professional experience designing and implementing management plans or projects..
National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB2) or Minnesota Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (MN RxB2) qualified.
Experience directing and guiding field crews, contractors, and other staff.
Experience with data management and analysis.
Additional Requirements
This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. 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
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.
