Working Title: Aquatic Plant Habitat Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90863
Location : Brainerd
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/18/2025
Closing Date : 01/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / 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 (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 functions as the DNR Commissioners' delegate in administering aquatic habitat-related programs of the Department of Natural Resources, Section of Fisheries in a multi-county area that includes over 700 lakes and approximately 100 streams and rivers in Region 2. This position primarily involves the Aquatic Plant Management Program (APM), interactions with planning and zoning officials from local government units that deal with shoreline development, assisting with the Shoreline Habitat Program (SHP), and other habitat-based projects within the DNR Northeast Region 2. This position also aids other staff to protect, preserve, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat through the effective implementation of best management practices as they relate to fisheries management activities. The person in this position is the lead worker in planning and implementing the APM program, guiding staff at the Brainerd APM office.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date .
Transcript requirements:
A. Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. A minimum of 4 courses, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management.
B. Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
C. Physical sciences courses. Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours.
D. Mathematics and statistics courses. Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1 statistics course or 2statistics courses.
E. Communications courses. Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college).
*To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be 'C-' or higher.
**Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries Professional will be accepted in lieu of the required coursework.
Three (3) years of experience in fish management, aquatic ecosystems and habitat management, or other natural resource management field to sufficiently assess aquatic and riparian habitat for fish and wildlife benefits.
Ability to maintain and operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, etc.
Ability to identify native and non-native aquatic plants at various life stages.
Oral communication and writing skills sufficient to document draft management plans/reports.
Interpersonal skills demonstrated when representing region at interagency meetings.
Public relations skills sufficient to interact with and maintain effective working relationships with the public.
Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions on policy/program direction.
Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Computer literacy, including a demonstrated knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
Preferred Qualifications
Exceptional human relations skills are necessary to effectively deal with a wide range of controversial and non-controversial issues involving lake/resort owner groups, tourism boards, watershed districts, local government units and the public.
Ability and skill to integrate high level of technical knowledge with sociological, political, and economic concerns; and in the @context, communicate technical decisions and recommendations to peers, department managers, legislators, and the public.
A working knowledge of geology, hydrology, and agriculture is required along with the understanding of comprehensive and holistic inter-relationships which these subjects possess.
Technical knowledge of wetland, lake, river, and terrestrial habitat classification is essential as is a thorough knowledge of fish and wildlife species dependent upon these habitats.
Direct field experience working on native habitat restoration and coordination of plant management strategies.
Direct field experience with fish, wildlife, or plant surveys and assessments.
High level of technical experience in fish management and/or fish research programs.
Advanced GIS/GPS skills.
Strong, demonstrated technical writing skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of and occasionally contribute to state-of-the-art habitat improvement and/or mitigation techniques.
Ability to supervise the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of appropriate implementation strategies to ensure protection of fish, wildlife, native plant resources, and habitats.
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. All job offers are contingent upon passing 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.
