Working Title: Farmed Wildlife and Feral Swine Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92992
Location : Brainerd
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/03/2026
Closing Date : 04/23/2026
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: $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 Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to hire one (1) full-time unlimited Farmed Wildlife and Feral Swine Coordinator located in Brainerd, Minnesota. This position coordinates and administers the division's responsibilities related to farmed white-tail deer, fur farm, game farm, and feral swine management. This position will work closely with the Board of Animal Health (BAH), DNR's Division of Enforcement, DNR's Wildlife Health Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), MN Fur Farmers groups, MN Game Farmer groups, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS), and Universities on issues pertinent to each respective agency on farmed deer, game farm, fur farm and feral swine issues.
Responsibilities include:
Assist the Farmed and Feral Species Program Supervisor in statewide management of farmed white-tailed deer, game and fur farms, and feral swine by the Department of Natural Resources and work closely with the DNR Division of Enforcement and other state and federal agencies in a manner that provides service to deer, game, and fur farmers and minimizes the risk of disease spread to wild species and negative impacts on the ecosystem.
Serve as a DNR point of contact regarding farmed white-tailed deer, fur and game farms and feral swine budget and help identify budgetprioritiesrelatedtofarmedwhite-tailed deer, fur farms, game farms and feral swine.
Serve as a DNR point of contact regarding farmed white-tailed deer, fur farms, game farms and feral swine regulations and communications and help identify communicationandoutreach prioritiesrelatedtofarmedwhite-tailed deer, fur farm, game farm and feral swine.
Perform other duties as required.These duties will include, but not be limited to, Feral swine and other species management, response or permitting, assisting the Department of Natural Resources or other agencies with ongoing efforts to survey and manage disease concerns impacting farmed white-tailed deer, fur farm and game farm animals and feral swine as needed
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, animal science, ecology, veterinary science, public health, or closely related field.
Three (3) years of professional experience in wildlife health, wildlife management, or veterinary medicine sufficient to identify epidemiologic risks associated with wildlife health and disease and risk to ecosystems associated with escaped farmed wildlife or livestock.
Knowledge of domestic livestock or captive animal/wildlife management practices and operations.
Human relations skills sufficient to coordinate and achieve cooperation with the agencies, stakeholder groups, public, peers and staff.
Ability to direct colleagues and teams; plan, manage, and implement projects and programs with tight deadlines.
Ability 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 strong conflict resolution skills.
Database management skills sufficient to manipulate, analyze, and develop databases for biological, budgetary and project management data related to the farmed deer, farmed wildlife species program and feral swine.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in wildlife biology, animal science, ecology, veterinary science, public health, or closely related field.
Experience in collecting and assessing biological data to develop management and/or regulatory recommendations for cervid or other wildlife populations or farmed wildlife species.
Experience with high profile and controversial wildlife health or management issues, including knowledge of chronic wasting disease and other farmed wildlife diseases.
Experience coordinating projects with regulatory agencies or multidisciplinary teams.
Experience drafting policy recommendations for regulatory use.
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.
