Working Title: Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 94393
Location : Brainerd
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 06/06/2026
Closing Date : 06/26/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - occasionally for meetings
Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.96 / hourly; $51,761 - $75,084 / 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 Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist located in Brainerd, Minnesota. This position exists to support regional staff, primarily the Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist (REAE), for the Division of Ecological and Water Resources (EWR) to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for adverse impacts to waters, fish, wildlife, and native plant resources. This position will provide and integrate science-based information on ecological processes and ecological approaches to federal, state, local government, or private development projects. It will also ensure that environmental review documents are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention is completed.
Responsibilities include:
Gather, analyze and prepare information for the evaluation of proposed projects in the northwest and/or northeast regions that require EWR review of public water permitting (Chapter 103G), Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), COE (Section 10/404), Lands and Minerals transactions, watershed management plans, and various miscellaneous program and Division related documents so that impacts to fish and wildlife resources are accurately identified and avoided, minimized or compensated.
Maintain a repository of project information, including project documents, comment deadlines and draft comments, so that projects are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention and posting of materials is completed.
Complete administrative tasks necessary to carry our responsibilities according to state standards so that activities follow department and state policies.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
Computer knowledge including spreadsheet and word processing skills.
Demonstrated skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ArcMap or ArcPro sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create maps for projects.
Technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and disseminate review and analysis results to a variety of audiences.
Ability to communicate with diverse individuals and groups.
Ability to prioritize projects and allocate sufficient time to perform duties and meet deadlines.
Knowledge sufficient to recognize the nature and degree of potential impacts of proposed projects on natural resources, convey those impacts to others, and make suggestions for avoidance measures.
Ability to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, GPS equipment, or aerial maps.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
Experience with Environmental Review or working within a regulatory program.
Ability to conduct field work under adverse weather conditions and learn to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps and GPS.
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.
