Working Title: Scientific and Natural Areas Management Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 96030
Location : Windom
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/07/2026
Closing Date : 08/27/2027
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 - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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 fill one (1) permanent full-time Scientific and Natural Areas Management Specialist position located in Windom, Minnesota. This position exists to protect and enhance native plant and animal communities on land in the DNR Southern Region especially Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs).
Responsibilities include:
Function as the local point-of-contact for site-specific concerns regarding State Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) in the Southern Region; identify management needs; and plan and implement habitat enhancement projects on SNAs so that important sites and their natural resource values are protected and work plan goals, policies, and procedures are fulfilled.
Direct and supervise prescribed burns on lands managed by the Division in the Southern Region and assist with other cooperative prescribed burn efforts safely and according to plans so that the natural communities and native species present are enhanced and not jeopardized.
Seek protection and assist in acquisition of priority lands to be designated as Scientific and Natural Areas, established as NAR sites, or enrolled in other appropriate land conservation programs so that rare resources, native biodiversity, healthy watersheds, and natural ecological systems are protected.
Coordinate and perform public engagement, outreach, education, and information activities on SNAs, to promote understanding and support for rare resources and natural lands protection and management in the Southern Region.
Direct (as lead worker) day-to-day operations of the field crew, assist with budget management (as well as maintaining data in AMSD), carry out administrative duties and participate in division, department, region, interagency, and other committees and task forces addressing prairie natural areas protection, conservation, or department administrative/business activities.
The SNA Management Specialist must have the ability to perform hard physical labor for extended and irregular periods of time, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather. This physical labor includes digging, lifting, shoveling, carrying, bending, pushing, climbing, and walking on uneven terrain. Additionally, the incumbent must be willing and able to operate commonly used equipment such as chainsaws, GPS, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, seeders, chemical sprayers, and mowers.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in ecology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related major.
Three (3) years of professional level experience designing and implementing terrestrial habitat assessments and/or habitat management including developing goals and objectives, implementing actions, and monitoring/reporting. An advanced degree in one of the majors listed above may substitute for one year of experience
Knowledge of prairie and forest ecology relevant to the habitat @types present in southern Minnesota and a working knowledge of management, restoration, and reconstruction practices necessary to maintain these communities. This includes experience with chainsaws and wildland fire (prescribed or suppression).
Ability to identify common grasses and flowers, native and invasive, of southern Minnesota and the ability to interpret air photos.
Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies sufficient to make recommendations on all facets of natural resource development, management, planning, and fieldwork.
Demonstrated skills in the use of computers and software including word-processing, databases, spreadsheets, presentation (PowerPoint), and GIS (ArcGIS Pro).
Skills in communication sufficient to write and provide technical information and guidance to various audiences including natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers.
Skills in leadership sufficient to direct field crews and carry out development, management, outreach, and protection activities.
Skills in organization, time management, and obtaining information from a wide variety of sources sufficient to prepare management plans.
Ability to communicate respectfully and work with a diversity of people in a variety of situations.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in ecology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related major.
Knowledge of the flora of Minnesota, geology, or soil science.
Knowledge of common invasive species treatment methods.
Demonstrated skills in the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) particularly ArcMap/ArcPro sufficient to create maps, interpret aerial photos, and perform spatial analyses.
MN DNR Faller 2 Powersaw Certification.
Advanced fire qualifications such as Minnesota Burn Boss Type 2 (MRXB2)
Non-commercial Pesticide Applicator license in Category A and J.
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.
