Working Title: Natural Resources Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 91443
Location : New Ulm
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/28/2026
Closing Date : 04/17/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Region 4
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 7:00am to 5:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Thursday
Travel Required : Yes - 25%
Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : New Ulm Region
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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) NR Technician position located in New Ulm, Minnesota. Days of work are Monday through Thursday, hours of work are 7:00am - 5:30pm.
This position exists to provide technical assistance to DNR Parks and Trails professional conservation resource managers such as District Resource Specialist (NR Park Specialist Senior-Resource Management), Regional Resource Supervisor (NR Supervisor-Ecological Services) and DNR Parks and Trails paraprofessional resource managers (NR Technician-Wildlife). This position assists in implementing and directing the natural habitat & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails in the Southern region of Minnesota. These tasks involve physical labor such as digging, lifting, shoveling, hauling, carrying, bending, pushing, and climbing. Most of the work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Participation in prescribed fire/wild land fire is required. Herbicides and chainsaw use is required.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Implement resource management activities to protect and improve wetland, grassland, and forest resources in accordance with division policy and procedure.
Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
Conduct prescribed burns and / or responds to wildfires and incidents as assigned.
Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
Inventories and surveys plant and animal species to better evaluate community diversity/abundance.
Assists program staff with mentoring and training of field crews in plant identification, chainsaw safety, herbicide best management practices, and prescribed fire.
This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.
Minimum Qualifications
One year (12 months) of experience in natural resources or habitat management.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to direct work activities to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups.
Ability to transport and operate heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaw / brush saws, pumps, sprayers, UHV's, ATV's power tools, and other equipment.
Ability to apply herbicides pesticides
Ability to identify Minnesota flora and manage native and invasive plant species.
Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
Ability to become certified as chainsaw Faller 3.
Preferred Qualifications
One Year (12 months) experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
One year (12 months) experience operating and maintaining small power tools, hand tools, bush saws, trucks, UTV's and ATV's.
Experience transporting and operating heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
Advanced experience in safe and efficient operation of chainsaws saws (S-212 or equivalent training).
Certification as Faller 2 level or higher.
Experience conducting prescribed burns.
Current certification as a Basic Firefighter - FFT2 or above.
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.
