Working Title: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92949
Location : Forest Lake
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/27/2026
Closing Date : 04/16/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift 8:00am to 4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $23.61 - $33.28 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207-Technical / AFSCME
Work Area : Carlos Avery
FLSA: 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 DNR is seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician-Wildlife, located at Carlos Avery DNR office in Forest Lake, MN. Days of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This position exists to provide technical and para-professional conservation support to professional District Resource Specialists (NR Park Specialist Senior - Resource Management) and/or Parks and Trails Regional Resource Supervisor (NR Supervisor-Ecological Services) as well as unit managers and other staff. This position assists in protecting, planning, implementing, directing, and evaluating the natural habitat & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails within Districts 6 & 7.
The position will help to maintain and restore wildlife habitats and native plant communities with a focus on working safely and maintaining vehicles, tools, and supplies.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Protect Resources: Implement approved projects and conduct other natural/cultural resource management program activities on lands administered by the Parks and Trails Division in the Central Region so that program goals are met, and natural/cultural resources are preserved, restored, and maintained.
Lead Crews: Direct the work of laborers, Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa (CCMI) crews, Sentenced to Service (STS), student workers, interns, and other staff or volunteers in an efficient, safe, and effective manner so that Resource Management Program objectives are achieved.
Planning: Assist the DRS and/or RRS or unit managers in developing comprehensive and project specific plans for accomplishing division resource management objectives.
Fleet: To 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.
Field Data: Provide inventory, documentation, and survey of plant and animal species and natural communities so that better information regarding species and natural community diversity and abundance so that program achievements can be tracked, analyzed, and described.
Administrative: Complete logistics tasks and other duties as assigned in order that the resource team functions efficiently and effectively, crew and equipment travel between projects efficiently and safely, and tasks and projects are completed in a safe manner.
This job will require strenuous manual labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, moving, pushing, pulling, and ascending/descending, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. This job requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain. It requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level). Applicant must have ability to efficiently communicate in a loud/challenging environment (When conducting burns, using equipment, etc.).
Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire or wildfire suppression techniques and methods; construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
Associates Degree in Wildlife or equivalent natural resource field with wildlife coursework emphasis. Examples of course work could be GIS, Ecology, Forestry, etc.
Applicants who have a Bachelor's degree in a Natural Resources related field with wildlife coursework emphasis (i. e. at least 3 related Wildlife courses) may also qualify.
Knowledge and skills in basic equipment maintenance and repair with tools and equipment (e.g., chain saws, brush saws, tractors, skid-steers or tracked loaders, ATVs / UTV's, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, Kestrel weather meter, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc).
Technical experience and skills in natural resource management and restoration.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology, botany, and native plant community restoration.
Knowledge of invasive species identification and control.
Ability to understand and interpret biological data.
Ability to identify common native and non-native plants.
Ability to apply herbicide's safely and appropriately.
Ability to become certified as a basic firefighter (FFT2) within 1 year.
Ability to become certified as Faller 2 sawyer within 4 years.
Ability to interpret aerial photos, create field maps, and maintain field notes.
Ability to understand and effectively use computer hardware and software for digital data management, GIS applications, programs for word processing, and spreadsheets,
Ability to do physically demanding work, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Oral communication skills sufficient to inform public and provide general information on DNR regulations, management, and policies.
Ability to direct the work of others and to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
Preferred Qualifications
Prescribed burn experience
Current certification as a Basic Firefighter (FFT2) or above
Successful completion of prescribed burn training including Minnesota Firing Boss (MFIRB) or equivalent, and courses/open task book supporting MRXB3 or higher qualifications.
Experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
Experience and training in the safe and efficient use of power saws. S-212, coursework, NWCG Faller 2 or equivalent.
Current First Aid and CPR certification.
Working knowledge of the organizational functions and objectives of the Division of Parks and Trails.
General understanding of the MN Dept. of Natural Resources and functions of the major organizational units.
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
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
· Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
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.
