Campus Pride Jobs

Working Title : Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services

Agency: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 80248

• Location: Park Rapids or Bemidji

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary: Permanent

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted: 09/26/2024

• Closing Date: 10/16/2024

• 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, Routine travel around the northern 1/2 of NW region as necessary

• Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually

• Job Class Option: Aquatic Biologist

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit: 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 a full-time permanent Invasive Species Specialist. The selected candidate will have the option to report to one of the following locations: Park Rapids or Bemidji. The specific location will be agreed upon at the time of selection. The Invasive Species Specialist will serve to provide planning, implementation, and evaluation of Invasive Species Program prevention and management activities within a region. In addition, this position will provide technical assistance to DNR programs and staff whose work responsibilities involve invasive species prevention and management activities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as a technical expert by providing technical guidance to DNR programs and staff, LGUs, citizen groups, and members of the public whose work involves prevention and management activities related to aquatic invasive species.

• Monitor populations of selected aquatic invasive species in the region, tabulate collected data, and provide data to a central database and for program reports.

• Manage populations of selected harmful invasive species to help prevent their spread within the state and reduce their impact on water recreation, industry, and natural ecosystems.

• Assist in preparing and delivering invasive species information and public awareness efforts to educate and inform the public so that they may help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. This includes being an information clearinghouse for the region related to the prevention and management of invasive species.

• Conduct administrative tasks necessary to carry out responsibilities according to state standards so that activities comply with department and state policies.

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 a telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree Ecology, Biology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or closely related field with coursework in aquatic sciences, plant biology and ecology.

• Three years professional experience designing and implementing (including data management and analysis) biological assessments and habitat management actions benefiting aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. Advanced degree in a field listed above may substitute one year of experience

• Knowledge of aquatic plant field survey techniques and plant specimen preparation and preservation methods.

• Knowledge of aquatic plant management techniques along with the ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate control activities in Minnesota and their impacts.

• Ability to identify aquatic invasive species and native aquatic plants found in Minnesota.

• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, in particular, ArcView/ArcGIS sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products.

• Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance, training and to achieve cooperation and collaboration with clients, peers, and staff.

• Technical writing skills sufficient to author and disseminate survey results to a variety of audiences.

• Experience effectively managing and prioritizing a large and multifaceted workload and carrying multiple projects through to completion.

• Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting in public and ability to work well with traditional media and social media to reach the public with conservation messages.

• Skills in word processing, and in the use of spreadsheets, and relational databases to enter, manipulate and report data.

• Ability to obtain a non-commercial Aquatic pesticide applicator certification within 6 months of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Aquatic Biology/Ecology or a closely related field.

• Knowledge of the DNR’s organizational structure is desirable.

• Supervisory and/or lead worker experience.

• Working knowledge of other state and federal resource management agencies, local governmental units, and their respective authority, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.

• Ability to incorporate considerable knowledge and analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action.

• Previous natural resource permitting or regulatory experience.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D driver's license with a clear driving record.

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.