Working Title: Habitat Construction Crew Heavy Equipment Operator
Job Class: Heavy Equipment Operator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92583
Location : Lanesboro
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/05/2026
Closing Date : 03/25/2026
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: $29.14 - $33.57 / hourly; $60,844 - $70,094 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
Work Area : Lanesboro area
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.
This position exists to carry out trout habitat development and maintenance work by operating small, medium and heavy equipment including excavators, backhoes, skid steers, dozers, loaders, tandem dump truck and equipment trailer, hydro mulcher and ATVs. This position will also perform some repairs and maintenance on equipment and facilities, and to occasionally assist with data collection during stream surveys.
Minimum Qualifications
Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
AND:
Knowledge and experience in methods, materials, tools and equipment used in trades work and construction.
Knowledge and experience safely operating medium & heavy motorized equipment, e.g. excavator, crawler dozer, dump trucks, snow plows, snow groomers, tractors with trailers, watercraft, grader, backhoe, front-end loader, auger, plus power and hand tools, including chain saws, air compressors, carpentry tools, and other equipment/tools as assigned.
Knowledge and/or experience to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to tools and equipment, including general maintenance and repair of buildings.
Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely and efficiently.
Ability to safely load and operate trucks and trailers carrying maximum loads.
Ability to service, perform minor repairs and make adjustments to machinery and heavy equipment.
Ability to obtain a Construction Installer and Site Management Certification from the Erosion and Stormwater Certification Program.
Strength and agility sufficient to load, operate and repair equipment and materials.
Endurance sufficient to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow, sun and wind, and in very remote locations often accessible only by long distance walking or use of an ATV.
Ability to work with limited supervision and independently solve problems as they arise.
Ability to communicate orally to staff/visitors, etc.
Preferred Qualifications
Two years of experience in equipment operation and maintenance of equipment such as trucks, trailers, mowers, chainsaws, boats, ATV's, snowmobiles, and other related equipment.
Working knowledge of civil engineering, landscape architecture and planning process, as applicable to recreation facility design and construction.
Knowledge of organizations, groups and interests in outdoor activities.
Technical school certificates, licensure or degrees in one or more of the following: carpentry, construction, electrical repair, plumbing, masonry, small engine repair/automotive, or HVAC.
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. 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.
