Working Title: Terrestrial Invasive Species Prevention Specialist
Job Class: Planner Senior State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90049
Location : St. Paul; Grand Rapids (Resource Assessment Office)
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/25/2025
Closing Date : 12/15/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, 25%
Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Nonexempt
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 Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) Planner Senior State position, the Terrestrial Invasive Species Prevention Specialist in St. Paul or Grand Rapids, MN. This position leads the Terrestrial Invasive Species (TIS) prevention and forest health outreach activities including the development, implementation, and evaluation of TIS prevention and public awareness programs.
Major responsibilities include:
Develop and implement comprehensive terrestrial invasive species (TIS) prevention plans for state forests, promoting collaboration with division staff, agency partners, recreationists, land users, and the public to identify practical strategies for reducing the spread of invasive species.
Develop presentations, printed and digital materials, to educate targeted audiences on prevention of terrestrial invasive plants threatening Minnesota's forests.
Lead the creation, execution and assessment of TIS prevention and public awareness workshops and trainings.
Coordinate the implementation of the state forest terrestrial invasive species plans with TIS Area Leads, Area Forest Supervisors, forestry program staff, and other department staff.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, up to 50% of the time, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field.
Two years professional experience in forestry, natural resources or a closely related field. *Masters degree in the above fields may substitute for one year of experience.
One year professional experience editing, writing and producing technical documents to successfully develop and implement outreach and communication efforts, campaigns, and programs.
Knowledge of invasive species identification, invasive species spread pathways, forest management principles and methods, and forest health threats sufficient to discuss forestry issues, produce informational materials and answer questions from general audiences.
Knowledge of planning principles, processes, techniques, laws, and regulations sufficient to develop natural resource plans of a broad landscape or statewide scope.
Knowledge of applying forest science in a forest management or policy @context, sufficient to lead forest planning efforts independently.
Knowledge of emerging/new natural resource management concepts and practices sufficient to assess and communicate responses to critical natural resource management issues (e.g., insect and disease, forest certification, climate change adaptation).
Technological skills sufficient to prepare documents using word processing, spreadsheets, graphic design, geographic information systems, and electronic presentation software that meet accessibility standards.
Stakeholder relations experience sufficient to establish ongoing effective, positive, trusting, and professional relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Time management skills sufficient to motivate and guide partners to work effectively through the application of interpersonal skills and ability to operate independently as well as in a team environment to prioritize work and achieve agreed upon milestones and deliverables.
Meeting facilitation skills, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening and negotiating sufficient to work with diverse groups.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of DNR organizational structure and working knowledge of other state and federal resource management agencies, local governmental units and their respective authorities, programs, and responsibilities that pertain to forestry or natural resource management.
Project management experience that includes managing many concurrent activities sufficient to: coordinate and organize the work of others, identify critical paths, perform project risk assessments, and identify, define, sequence, prioritize, schedule, and assign resources.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; 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.
