Working Title: Wildlife Research Biologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife Research
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 94437
Location : Glenwood
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 06/10/2026
Closing Date : 06/30/2026
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 : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.96 / hourly; $51,761 - $75,084 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
Anticipated Start Date : 08/15/2026
Anticipated End Date : 08/14/2029
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 seeking to hire one (1) Wildlife Research Biologist. This position will be located in Glenwood, Minnesota. Travel will be required for field data collection (various sites) and to attend meetings. Travel to Madelia, Minnesota will be required on a regular basis for meetings and equipment preparation.
This position exists to perform professional wildlife research work, and specifically to assist the Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group (FaWPRG) Ungulate Research Scientist 2 (RS2) in planning, organizing, and implementing statewide projects on white-tailed deer (including leading temporary/seasonal employees in conducting research, collecting data, managing data, analyzing data, evaluating new technology, and other necessary tasks). The primary project associated with this position is a new deer movement and survival study based in western Minnesota.
Responsibilities include:
Assist the FaWPRG Ungulate RS2 in designing original wildlife research and survey projects on ungulate ecology (especially white-tailed deer) to increase scientific knowledge applicable to wildlife management by determining needs, planning investigations, and formulating hypotheses or tests.
Conduct wildlife research by maintaining field and laboratory equipment, making field decisions, and leading the work of others so that objectives stated in project proposals are met and valid findings are reported.
Participate in the analysis and evaluation of research findings by inputting, proofing, summarizing, and interpreting data according to appropriate ecological, wildlife, and statistical principles.
Assist in the preparation of agency progress reports, final reports, and publications by analyzing data, organizing material, and putting it into report or manuscript format.
Assist with advancing the technology of wildlife science in Minnesota by remaining current in wildlife and other biological sciences, statistical design and analyses, and computer applications.
Minimum Qualifications
Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.
Transcript Evaluation:
A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/biology.
One (1) course in each: chemistry or physics; statistics; communication; and ecology.
At least four (4) additional wildlife or ecology, or related courses, such as animal or plant taxonomy, comparative anatomy or physiology, soils or geology, mammalogy, ornithology, parasitology, etc.
AND
Bachelor's degree in Wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.
Knowledge of wildlife biology, ecology, statistics, and field research methodologies sufficient to collect, summarize, analyze, and interpret wildlife research data.
Work experience navigating terrain over distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
Ability to work independently and resolve problems with minimal supervision.
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills sufficient to collaborate with research partners, landowners, and the public, and to document and communicate research results through appropriate formats (e.g., agency reports, presentations).
Experience using Excel and Access to enter, proof, query, and summarize wildlife research data.
Experience planning, organizing, and maintaining field equipment.
Organizational skills necessary for planning and creating work schedules, including field data collection schedules.
Technical skills in ArcGIS and R sufficient to manage, analyze, and visualize wildlife research data.
Experience with locating and monitoring wildlife using both radiotelemetry and GPS (e.g., GPS collars).
Experience with ungulate trapping, handling, and biological sample collection, including the preparation, organization, storage, and processing of wildlife data and tissue samples.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree in Wildlife or equivalent field with emphasis on field research with ungulates.
Experience with using R to clean, manipulate, and analyze data.
Experience with using ArcGIS or ArcPro.
Experience working independently and resolving problems without direct supervision.
Experience working outdoors in a variety of adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Experience with identifying anatomy and conducting field necropsies of ungulates.
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.
