Working Title: Waterfowl Bander
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93839
Location : Bemidji
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Seasonal
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 04/28/2026
Closing Date : 05/18/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife
Work Shift/Work Hours : Rotating Shift
Days of Work : Varies
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Bemidji 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 Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking multiple seasonal Waterfowl Technician - Duck Bander in Bemidji, MN.
This position will be responsible for the capture of waterfowl via night-lighting in north central, west-central, and northwestern Minnesota in July and August. In September, primary duties will be to assist with rocket netting of ducks in northwestern Minnesota. The technician will identify, age, sex, band, humanely handle waterfowl, attach leg bands to waterfowl, accurately record and enter data, write project summaries, operate and maintain field equipment, assist with other natural resource research projects as needed, contact and communicate with private landowners, and interact with the public and coworkers in a professional manner.
Normal anticipated season dates are from approximately Mid - June through September 29th. This position will perform fieldwork that consists of variable workdays, including some weekend hours and overnight work. From early-July until late-August, the technician will work overnight hours.
When in travel status away from Bemidji, lodging will be provided and meals will be reimbursed.
Minimum Qualifications
A keen interest in waterfowl biology and ecology.
Knowledge of ecology, wildlife biology, and waterfowl biology.
Knowledge necessary for identification of wild ducks normally encountered in Minnesota, including the skills to differentiate waterfowl to age and sex based on plumage and skills to identify ducks at long distances.
Knowledge of wetland habitats in Minnesota.
Knowledge of techniques used to capture wild waterfowl.
Experience safely operating and maintaining equipment, including small boats with outboard motors, trucks (4WD), trailers, and generators.
Familiarity with use of field maps and GPS units for field navigation at or between study sites.
Ability to work as part of a group or independently.
Ability to wear waders and life jackets while walking in wetlands with unconsolidated bottoms for long hours.
Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information and record field data.
Ability to maintain accurate data records and field notes.
Ability to communicate orally with individuals and small groups.
Ability and willingness to collect biological data in the field responsibly and safely, often in wet environments and under challenging weather conditions (cold, heat, rain).
Ability to construct, repair, and maintain trapping equipment.
Ability to perform field work at night.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Knowledge of waterfowl ecology for species commonly occurring in Minnesota.
Knowledge of band recovery data and its usefulness.
Knowledge of invasive species concerns for Minnesota lakes, and skill in keeping equipment free of aquatic invasive species.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, wetland ecology, or a related field.
Skills and experience necessary to be added to MN DNR's banding permit as a sub-permittee.
Experience handling wild animals for marking purposes, especially experience banding migratory birds.
Experience identifying waterfowl to species, age, and sex; including identification of female ducks, male ducks in eclipse plumage, ducklings in downy plumage, and waterfowl at long distances.
Experience using GPS units, maps, landmarks, and compasses for navigation in remote areas and at night.
Experience interacting with private landowners.
Experience with word processing, data entry (Microsoft Excel), and GIS programs.
Experience safely operating multiple @types of small boats including sport boats, canoes, and jon boats with small outboard motors or mud motors including operation at night, in shallow, and/or heavily vegetated waters.
Experience safely setting up and using rocket nets to capture waterfowl.
Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information and record field data.
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.
