Working Title: Lake Habitat Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 87709
Location : St. Paul
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 : 01/21/2026
Closing Date : 02/10/2026
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 : Yes
Salary Range: $38.16 - $54.97 / hourly; $79,678 - $114,777 / 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 exists to provide leadership and supervision of habitat staff, and to coordinate and administer the Section's statewide lake habitat improvement and protection programs by formulating program goals, objectives, and strategies. This position provides statewide direction and technical expertise to the review and selection process for funding projects, to the development of consistent standards that protect public waters, implementation of lake habitat projects, providing expertise and advice to Section staff on broad environmental issues affecting lake habitat; in administering and reporting on dedicated and federal funds; in developing legislative proposals; serves as a liaison with other agencies and groups; provides oversight and guidance of management issues on Aquatic Management Areas; and provides information and education to the public.
Primary responsibilities include:
To direct and coordinate the Section's statewide lake habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement programs so that projects are completed in an efficient and biologically sound manner that follow statewide rules and statutes.
Perform supervisory, fiscal, and administrative functions so that lake habitat staff are highly motivated and skilled, and program objectives are met.
To direct and coordinate land management and habitat enhancement projects on Aquatic Management Areas and other fisheries owned lands so that project goals and objectives are met, and procedures follow designated guidelines of LSOHC and other funding sources.
To stay informed of current advances in fisheries science through training and professional information exchange and interaction.
This position's preferred location may be Central Office (St. Paul), Bemidji, Grand Rapids, New Ulm, Glenwood, Fergus Falls or Brainerd fisheries office. Final determination of location will be based on the candidate's preference and space availability. 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 may require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area required.
Four years of professional level experience in the areas of fisheries biology and management including knowledge of fish population dynamics, fish pathology, aquatic biology and ecology, ichthyology, limnology, statistics, stream morphology, and stream habitat development techniques applied nationally and internationally so that direction can be given to statewide stream habitat, and trout and salmon management projects.
Ability to analyze and interpret data so that technical assistance can be given in project planning, completion, and documentation, so that project goals and objectives are met and work completed within established funding guidelines.
Proficiency in communication, project coordination, collaboration, and problem-solving skills to effectively work with diverse interests and foster relationships to accomplish common conservation objectives.
Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance and training, resolve conflict in a positive manner, generate public support, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, public, and staff.
Ability to establish goals and objectives that equitably empower employees, diverse community groups, stakeholders, and the public.
Computer literacy, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets and word processing.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Fisheries Management, Limnology, Aquatic Biology, or a closely related field.
Knowledge of the state legislative and rulemaking processes.
Familiarity with Legacy Amendment, and Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council proposal process and guidelines.
Experience managing LSOHC appropriations.
Familiarity with conservation easement stewardship.
Exceptional human relations skills are necessary to effectively deal with a wide range of controversial and non-controversial issues involving 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.
Strong background in watershed principles and stream fluvial geomorphology as related to ecology and stream health.
A working knowledge of geology, hydrology, and agriculture, along with an understanding of the comprehensive and holistic inter-relationships which these subjects possess.
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.
