Working Title : Assistant Regional Wildlife Manager
Job Class: State Program Admin Manager
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 97527
Location: New Ulm
Telework Eligible : Yes, hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 10/31/2026
Closing Date: 11/20/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, intermittent
Salary Range: $41.58 - $60.10 /hourly; $86,819 - $125,489 /annually
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classified Status: Classified
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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota's natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.
This position exists to manage wildlife resources and habitats within the Prairie Parkland and Eastern Broadleaf ecological provinces on public and private lands covering 32-counties of Region 4 (Southern Region) for the long-term benefit of the people of Minnesota.
This position will assist the Regional Wildlife Manager with the administration, development, coordination, integration and implementation of Section of Wildlife Programs and will supervise five (5) Area Wildlife Supervisors, lead and provide resources for restoration, enhancement and management activities covering 724 Wildlife Management Areas and 150 wildlife managed lakes and wetlands. The position will also serve as Acting Regional Wildlife Manager as assigned.
Responsibilities include:
Supervision: Supervises supervisors, professional, and technical staff in part of the Region, including hiring, performance evaluation, training, work direction, and applying appropriate discipline.
Administration: Direct, implement, and evaluate budgets and operational plans at the regional level in accordance with departmental, divisional, and regional goals.
Resource Protection: Direct, administer, and promote the coordination and integration of Wildlife programs including basic law enforcement, environmental review, land acquisition, private land initiatives, and habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement for wildlife species.
Wildlife Habitat Management: Direct and monitor environmental protection programs or prioritizing land acquisitions, recommending land exchanges, reviewing applications/permits, and collaborating on interdivisional projects, reporting violations, and testifying as an expert at hearings. Direct and monitor habitat restoration and enhancement programs in R4 working closely with area wildlife managers.
Customer Service: Direct and monitor information and education efforts by serving as Wildlife Regional representative, accepting and soliciting interviews from the media, responding to public inquiries, monitoring subordinate's public responses, informing local legislators of projects, assisting Regional Manager with public input meetings for season setting, and collaborating on intra/inter-agency projects. Promote and establish community partnerships with citizens, private organizations, and other DNR disciplines to preserve, restore, and manage ecosystems.
Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
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.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of supervisory experience planning, leading, and directing professional wildlife management work at an area level; or five (5) years of advanced professional experience directing natural resources management programs and demonstrated lead worker experience including planning, research and providing guidance to other professional wildlife staff.
Working knowledge of wildlife management programs, policies and procedures and knowledge of rules and laws related to wildlife management protection programs to evaluate unit and program management.
Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes sufficient to coordinate and articulate budget proposals, prioritize and manage budgets, administer grants and interpret budget reports.
Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff as well as develop and maintain interdisciplinary partnerships.
Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.
Strong organizational and planning skills sufficient to oversee large projects, prioritize, and make recommendations or decisions on the direction of a project.
Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
Technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and management plans.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field.
Supervisory experience planning, leading, and directing professional wildlife management work at an area level.
Knowledge of DNR programs and areas of responsibilities in other divisions.
Experience developing long-range strategies and operational wildlife species and habitat management programs.
Knowledge of statistical and biometrics analysis sufficient to plan, implement and evaluate wildlife population studies.
Knowledge of a wide variety of land management areas such as acquisition, leasing, agreements, easements and land laws.
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 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., H-1B status).
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:
Employment Reference Check
SEMA4 Records Check
Criminal History Check
Education/license 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.
