Working Title: Farmed Species and Feral Swine Program Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 95909
Location: Brainerd
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 8/19/2026
Closing Date: 09/08/2026
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, Occasionally
Salary Range: $38.83 - $55.93 / hourly; $81,077 - $116,782 / annually
Job Class Option: Exempt - Executive
Classified Status: Classified
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes/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 Division of Fish and Wildlife (FAW) is currently seeking a Farmed Species and Feral Swine Program Supervisor. This position will administer and coordinate the Fish and Wildlife Division's responsibilities related to farmed white-tailed deer management; game and fur farm regulations; and feral swine outreach, monitoring, and response. The Farmed Species and Feral Swine Program Supervisor is the direct supervisor of staff engaged with regulation and oversight involving the commercial use of game, feral hogs and restricted species, and other emerging issues that pose a risk to Minnesota's wildlife and game species in particular.
This position will work closely with the DNR's Division of Enforcement to regulate white-tailed deer, game and fur farms, including coordinating inspections, investigations, compliance, and other enforcement activities. The Farmed Species and Feral Swine Program Supervisor will also serve as the DNR liaison with the Board of Animal Health (BAH) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on farmed cervid and restricted species issues and work closely with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS); the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA); the University of Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO); University of Minnesota - Extension, and the cervid, game and fur farm industries within Minnesota.
Job duties include, but are not limited to:
Supervise the staff of the farmed species and feral swine program so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitably administered and employees under the Supervisor's jurisdiction will effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve the annual and long-term objectives of the Section of Wildlife.
Administer and provide management and policy direction for the statewide farmed species and feral swine programs so they meet legal requirements and minimize risk of harm to wild game species and their habitats. Ensure that financial and other reporting is done correctly and on time. Coordinate closely with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and other state and federal agencies.
Serve as the DNR lead regarding farmed species and feral swine regulations and communications. Identify program communication and outreach priorities, with an emphasis on farmed white-tailed deer, feral swine, and fur/game farms.
Direct fiscal and other administrative activities in the farmed and feral species program so that Section priority work is completed as planned/designed and according to desired time schedules.
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 an annual telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis as well as to field offices on an infrequent basis for program coordination, onsite meetings, and trainings with staff and colleagues.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, natural resources, wildlife ecology, animal science or closely related field.
Three (3) years of advanced professional experience in wildlife health or wildlife management, including responsibility for coordination of the planning, implementation, and evaluation of natural resources programs/research/staff of a significant area, region, or statewide scope. *An advanced degree in one of the fields listed above may substitute for 1 year of experience.
Two (2) years of supervisory or lead work experience in a professional setting, including workload prioritization and direction and performance monitoring/evaluation.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff; provide staff guidance and training; collaborate with conservation partners; resolve conflict in a positive manner; and generate public support.
Extensive knowledge of game species biology and wildlife ecology, management techniques and options, population dynamics, state and federal laws and regulations, and regulatory approaches.
Working knowledge of livestock or captive animal husbandry/management practices and operations.
Working knowledge of chronic wasting disease and ability to become familiar with other animal diseases that pose risks for wildlife, domestic animals, or people.
Human dimensions of wildlife skills necessary to inform state policies, regulations, and program guidance.
Communication skills sufficient to convey complex information to technical and non-technical internal and external audiences via verbal and written methods to make progress on program objectives
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, or related field.
Demonstrated experience with citizen participation, conflict resolution and negotiation techniques.
Experience as program lead or demonstrated program leadership skills, including managing complex projects, and team management including the ability to effectively manage and prioritize a large and multifaceted workload and carry multiple projects through to completion-sometimes over a multi-year time span.
Experience with databases and information system technologies.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action.
Working knowledge of legislative and rulemaking processes.
Considerable knowledge of the purpose and basic organizational structure of other natural resource management agencies and stakeholder organizations and the key people within them.
Administrative, supervisory, and budget management experience to manage and allocate resources and report accomplishments.
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.
