Working Title: Regional Plant Ecologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 95674
Location : Bemidji
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 : 08/01/2026
Closing Date : 08/21/2026
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, regularly within the region, occasional travel outside of region
Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually
Job Class Option : Plant Ecologist
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) permanent full-time Regional Plant Ecologist located in Bemidji, Minnesota. This position exists to support conservation, environmental review, regulatory decision-making, restoration, and land management to promote Minnesota's ecological communities and native plants with an emphasis on rare communities and species, and to support sustainable ecological diversity, function, and resilience across the landscape within the Northwest Region. This position will focus on prairies, savannas, calcareous fens, and open peatland ecological systems.
Responsibilities include:
Provide leadership, coordination and technical guidance to integrate ecological information into land management and stewardship on public and private lands to support sustainable ecological diversity, function, and resilience across the landscape.
Plan, implement, and evaluate training and outreach activities so that the importance of biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management is understood and integrated into resource planning and management activities.
Collect, compile, submit, and analyze data on plants (including rare plant species) and ecological communities, so that scientific knowledge is available to support resource protection, restoration, conservation, and management decisions.
Conduct administrative responsibilities according to state standards so that activities are in compliance with department and state policies.
Maintain current knowledge in the fields of ecology, ecosystem management, restoration, and land use planning so that scientifically rigorous approaches are used in conserving native plants and plant communities, and ecological and technical skills are continuously improved.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. This position will require reporting to the primary work location as needed for meetings, training, onboarding, and field work, among other activities. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related field with an emphasis in ecology.
Three (3) years of professional-level experience coordinating and integrating conservation of rare species, biodiversity, and ecological approaches into sustainable management of prairie, savanna, and wetland communities. An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience
Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS or similar software, to perform spatial analyses and create map products, along with proficiency in standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and relational databases.
Experience conducting ecological fieldwork, including vegetation sampling and the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of data related to plant taxonomy, community ecology, and landscape ecology.
Communication skills sufficient to communicate and present technical and non-technical ecological information through reports, presentations, training, and outreach to diverse audiences, including land managers, agency staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to integrate ecological information and priorities with social and economic considerations to develop resource management and protection recommendations.
Knowledge of conservation biology, biodiversity, and ecological principles sufficient to evaluate impacts on native plant communities and rare species to support natural resource management decisions.
Knowledge of common and rare Minnesota plants sufficient to classify native plant communities and document and describe conservation values (e.g., rare species).
Ability to navigate rough terrain and difficult field conditions in remote areas using a compass, maps, aerial photographs, and GPS equipment.
Ability to establish productive working relationships and to listen and respectfully interact with people holding differing points of view and values.
Experience effectively managing and prioritizing a large and multifaceted workload and carrying multiple projects through to completion.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related field.
Experience conducting surveys or working with native plants and plant communities in Minnesota, especially prairie, savanna, calcareous fen, and/or open peatland ecosystems.
A thorough understanding of native plant communities and native flora of the Northwest Region of Minnesota.
Experience evaluating potential impacts to native plant communities and rare species and developing science-based recommendations to avoid or minimize those impacts.
Experience planning and delivering technical training, outreach, or educational programs related to ecology or natural resource management.
Knowledge of or training in negotiation, conflict resolution, or collaborative problem-solving.
Knowledge of soil science, limnology, hydrology, silviculture, chemistry, and/or statistics.
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.
