Working Scientific and Natural Areas Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93772
Location : Fergus Falls
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/25/2026
Closing Date : 05/15/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Thursday; 7:00AM - 5:30PM
Travel Required : Yes - Regularly throughout region, occasional statewide; occasionally overnight.
Salary Range: $23.61 - $33.28 / hourly; $49,297 - $69,488 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Fergus Falls 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.
The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) permanent full-time Scientific and Natural Areas Technician position in Fergus Falls. This position serves as the SNA Technician and exists to provide technical and para-professional support in carrying out natural resource management and development activities on private and public lands administered by the Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Unit including those lands enrolled in Native Prairie Bank (NPB), Prairie Tax Exemption, dedicated SNAs, or other lands administered by the SNA Unit.
Responsibilities include:
Provide technical and operational support in the restoration, maintenance and enhancement of prairie, forest, and wetland natural communities on any Scientific and Natural Areas, Native Prairie Bank, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit as directed or assigned so that important sites are protected and work plan goals, policies, and procedures are fulfilled.
Develop and maintain facilities such as parking lots, roads, signs, gates, and fences and maintain equipment such as ATVs, UTVs, tractors, trailers, water pumps, chainsaws, brush saws, etc. to protect the natural resources and promote appropriate public activities on Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Banks, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit.
Conduct assigned natural resource management tasks on specified Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit and other tasks as assigned to maintain and improve native plant and animal communities and prevent and correct damage or nuisance problems. Includes participation as a member of a burn crew in spring and fall and occasional participation in other management and development projects in other regions of the state.
Work with other staff as a team. Periodically direct the work of other technicians, laborers, volunteers, and temporary crews on assigned projects, in the operation and repair of equipment, helping other staff, and establishing and maintaining natural resources and facilities on Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit.
Collaborate in administration of management and records so that resource management is smoothly, safely, and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, and legal mandates.
Maintain electronic records of management, development, contracts, and conservation partner projects taking place on SNAs and NPBs. Report clear, concise records of work completed to support accurate tracking of management histories and budget reporting.
Participate as assigned in employee information and training programs and other educational opportunities that will ensure employee safety, enhance employee work performance, and assure proper use of equipment.
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
Associate degree in wildlife, natural resource management, ecology, or related field. OR One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire techniques and methods; operation of equipment commonly used in natural resource management such as trucks, skid loaders, and chainsaws; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
Position requires a Class A - Commercial Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology, natural resource management and restoration, and prescribed burning sufficient to recommend, create, and implement management plans.
Experience with prescribed burning or wildfire suppression and the ability to annually complete the moderate level work capacity test.
Ability to make recommendations on all facets of natural resource development, management, planning and fieldwork.
Knowledge of invasive plants and control methods sufficient to identify potential invasive species treatment needs and implement appropriate control methods.
Familiarity with common equipment used in natural resource management (chain saws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, boats, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.) sufficient to make recommendations on equipment needed to conduct natural resource management.
Ability to interpret and understand aerial photos and biological data, create field maps, and maintain field notes.
Communication and comprehension skills sufficient to understand and carry out oral and written directions, accurately compile survey data, produce reports, and develop management and project plans.
Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
Ability to work in team settings and manage conflict.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies.
Experience in planning, preparation, and conducting prescribed burns.
Certified as a firing boss or prescribed fire burn boss.
Possession of a current Class A - Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Demonstrated skills in the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ArcMap/ArcPro, sufficient to perform spatial analysis, create map products, and maintain data on work accomplishments.
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. 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.
