Community Science Coordinator - NR Program Coordinator

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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: Community Science Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 12/29/2023
• Closing Date : 1/18/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : Ecological & Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes, occasional
• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / 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 purpose of this position is to develop and lead a Community Science program that expands collection of scientific data as directed by the Minnesota Wildlife Action Plan, while engaging wildlife viewers. Community scientists are concerned/interested members of the public that assist biologists conducting surveys, collecting data, and reporting observations. Engaging community members in these projects will increase the capacity to accomplish conservation of rare and vulnerable wildlife and foster greater understanding and support of wildlife in Minnesota. While Community Science efforts have occurred in the past and are currently underway, a Community Science program and position within the Nongame Wildlife Program are still relatively new. The coordinator will lead (with a high degree of independence) a collaborative effort to design the Community Science program, incorporating learning from other biodiversity programs, state natural resource agencies, universities, and scientific organizations. Coordination of Community Science projects and their volunteers will be led by this position with support from DNR staff and partners. Responsibilities will be further defined as the program continues to be developed.
Job Responsibilities:

• Community Science Program Planning and Administration:Develop and administer plans, budgets, reports and other activities so the Community Science program is developed and implemented according to desired timelines, accomplished with effectiveness and accountability, and in accordance with Departmental and Division guidance, plans, and policies.
• Community Science Program Coordination: Lead the Community Science program in a manner that supports the Minnesota Wildlife Action Plan and engages people interested in wildlife viewing (defined as closely observing or photographing wildlife; maintaining plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife; or taking trips to parks or other natural areas to photograph or observe wildlife).
• Train, Coordinate, and Manage Community Scientists:Select and train community scientists and serve as the lead point-of-contact for selected and active community scientists.
• Community Science Program Outreach:Promote the Community Science program by jointly planning and implementing engagement strategies. Engagement strategies may include, but are not limited to, webpage and social media content development and holding in-person and virtual events. The goals of promotion are to share the excitement surrounding the program, to explain the benefits of Community Science, to raise awareness of wildlife species in conservation need, and intrigue new participants.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources conservation, biology, ecology, zoology, entomology or closely related field.
• Three years professional experience coordinating large and complex science programs or projects, including experience in project planning, administration, and management, as well as program evaluation.
• Experience implementing wildlife surveys and monitoring.
• Experience applying the scientific method to project activities.
• Experience assembling, managing, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Experience with GIS, Arc Map, ArcGIS Survey 123, and statistical analysis software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to produce and maintain word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Ability to clearly and effectively communicate scientific and technical concepts concerning wildlife, both verbally and in writing, to diverse and non-technical audiences.
• Advanced human relations skills with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with other individuals, in teams, and with partners.
• Experience teaching or delivering trainings.
• Experience with volunteercoordination and management.
• Ability to engage racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities in public programming.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in natural resources conservation, biology, ecology, zoology, entomology or closely related field.
• Training in facilitation and project management.
• Experience designing and administering wildlife surveys, including data management.
• Experience working with diverse individuals and groups (including scientific experts; community organizations; educators; universities; state and local agencies; and volunteers).

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. 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 Jessica Ruthenberg at jessica.ruthenberg@state.mn.us or 651-470-4656 .
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 Lucas Schulze at lucas.schulze@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.