Biometrician - Research Scientist 3

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At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.
Job Details
Working Title: Biometrician
Job Class: Research Scientist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 12/29/2023
• Closing Date : 01/18/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : DNR Fish and Wildlife / Wildlife Research Program
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $35.13 - $52.25 / hourly; $73,351 - $109,098 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.
The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.
Job Summary
The DNR is currently seeking to fill one (1) opening for aBiometrician/Research Scientist 3tocollaborate with the division of Fish and Wildlife - Wildlife Research Unit (WRU) staff to develop, evaluate, and analyze data fromwildlife surveys, so that the kind and quality of statistical information is well-defined and appropriate to conduct sound management of wildlife and related resources. The incumbent will create and manipulate complex datasets containing information collected from field studies that cross several research disciplines to provide high level statistical consulting to other Research Scientists, biologists,and the section of Wildlife leadership team.
Responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with WRU staff to develop statistical designs for survey analyses, research projects, and monitoring programs appropriate to objectives and associated management questions.
• Direct and assist WRU scientists and biologists in the analysis of data from surveys, monitoring, and research projects. These activities will include quality assurance of all databases, formulation of analysis strategies, assistance with any associated programming (e.g., SAS, R, Python, etc.) and archiving of statistical routines.
• Assist WRU scientists and biologists in the preparation of manuscripts and reports. This may include primary authorship, co-authorship, review, revision, generating analysis reports, and the construction of appropriate tables, charts, and graphs.
• Provide reviews on all regularly occurring surveys and monitoring programs to improve quality and scientific accuracy.
• Maintain technical expertise by engaging in an ongoing, diverse program of professional development.

The preferred work location for this one positionis Forest Lake, MN OR St. Paul, MN. Thespecific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.
This position has a flexible work arrangement andmay be eligible to teleworkon a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position may require reporting to the primary work location on an occasional basis for meetings,training,onboarding, etc.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in biometrics or statistics with a strong emphasis on wildlife sciences, environmental science, natural resources or closely related field.
• Three years advanced professional experience inscientific, experimental, research, monitoring, and survey techniques pertaining to conservation and/or wildlife management.A PhD in Wildlife Ecology, Quantitative Ecology, or closely related field may substitute for 2years of the advanced professional experience listed.
• Knowledge of and experience with some of the following: ecological systems, hunter and trapper harvest techniques, and sampling and study design.
• Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis software such as JMP, SPSS, R, Python, or similar programs. Knowledge of statistical methods and analysis is required for assessing trends and relationships as well as for developing and refining research, monitoring, and survey projects.
• Project management and leadership skills sufficient to multi-task and work on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate advanced statistical topics to lay audiences and assist colleagues in understanding complex analyses and interpreting results.
• Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of word-processing software that has extensive equation writing capabilities, such as Microsoft Word, LaTex, and/or R-Markdown.
• Skill in writingboth technical and popular articles for publication demonstrated as lead author on at least twopeer-reviewed publications, or as co-author on a minimum of three peer-reviewed publications.
• Collaborative skills to effectively work with and align stakeholders and staff through the application of a wide range of organizational, technical, analytical and interpersonal skills to accomplish common conservation objectives.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhDin biometrics/statistics with a strong emphasis on wildlife science, environmental science, natural resources or closely related field.
• At least three years of experience in statistical analysis, as well as spatial statistical analysis in a collaborative setting.
• At least three years of experience working inmultiple programming languages, preferablyR,Python, and/or SAS, with knowledge of relevant R packages and/or Python libraries for data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Access SQL scripts or other well established database management tools.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
• Advanced knowledge of GIS software and tools such as ArcGIS, ArcPro, or other open-source software.

Additional Requirements
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.
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

Application Details
How to Apply
Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers .
If you have questions about the position, contact Seth Goreham at seth.goreham@state.mn.us or 651-259-5202 .
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us . To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Rebecca Mortellaro at rebecca.mortellaro@state.mn.us .
Why Work for Us
Diverse Workforce
We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.
A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency's mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits
Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.