Working Title: Deer Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 91616
Location : St. Paul; Bemidji; Grand Rapids; Rochester; New Ulm
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 02/25/2026
Closing Date : 03/17/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife / Big Game Program
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 20% of the time
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/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.
The DNR is currently seeking a NR Program Coordinator to assist the Big Game Program Supervisor in the administration and implementation of a statewide program focused on deer, elk, and moose management, policy, and stakeholder engagement. This position will assist in the collection and dissemination of data; the development of regulations, legislative proposals, and strategic plans; provide consultation and coordination to land and wildlife managers, tribal biologists, researchers, and enforcement officers; serve as a liaison with other agencies and groups; and provide information and education to the public. The Deer Coordinator may assist with development of big game program related content for the public and serve as a spokesperson and subject matter expert for the Big Game Program.
Responsibilities include:
Assist the Big Game Program Supervisor in administration of big game seasons and regulatory process so that seasons are supported by enforceable rules and so that populations are sustained at appropriate levels.Assist Big Game Program Supervisor in harvest reporting, big game related webpage content, and regulations booklet development.
Assist with implementation of the Minnesota White-tailed Deer Management Plan, the 2016 Office of Legislative Auditors (OLA) evaluation of Minnesota deer population management, and the 2019 Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan.
Assist with big game stakeholder input needs, including the Deer Advisory Committee, and serve as big game program subject matter expert and spokesperson for the DNR on big game program related issues.
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 an annual telework agreement.
The selected candidate will have the option to report to one of the following locations: Saint Paul, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, Rochester, or New Ulm, MN. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, or closely related field.
Three (3) years of professional experience in assessing biological or human dimensions data to coordinate and/or develop recommendations for the management of wildlife populations.
Human relations skills sufficient to coordinate and achieve cooperation with the public, peers, and staff.
Skills to direct colleagues and teams; plan, manage, and implement projects and programs with tight deadlines.
Skills to effectively communicate with others, using appropriate style as necessary to further program objectives when not all staff or stakeholders are supportive.
Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences including the public, colleagues, and superiors.
Ability to work with others to achieve a common objective, including conflict resolution skills.
Database management skills sufficient to manipulate, analyze, and develop databases for biological and human dimensions data related to the big game program.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, public health, or closely related field.
Experience in state, federal, or tribal wildlife agency collecting and assessing biological and human dimensions data to develop management and/or regulatory recommendations for cervid populations.
Experience with high profile and controversial big game management issues.
Extensive knowledge of white-tailed deer, elk, and moose population biology, natural history, and management issues in North America.
Experience coordinating projects with state agency or other organizational staff.
Experience with media interviews, public and staff presentations, and communicating with public about controversial topics.
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.
