Sna Technician - Nr Tech Wildlife

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.

Working Title: SNA Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/13/2024
• Closing Date: 04/02/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, 7:00AM-5:30PM
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
• Travel Required: Yes - Travel mostly within the central region, occasionally throughout the state.
• Salary Range: $22.26 - $31.38 / hourly; $46,478 - $65,521 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - AFSCME
• Work Area: St Paul Region
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• 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.

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill five (5) permanent full-time Scientific and Natural Areas Technician positions in Saint Paul.

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources staff work to protect and manage our state’s natural resources. This position is an important part of that mission and exists to implement the on-the-ground natural resource management and development activities on public and private lands administered by the Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Program throughout the Central Region.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning and implementation of natural resource management (e.g., woody removal, prescribed fire, invasive species control, etc.) on SNAs and Native Prairie Banks (NPBs) in the Central Region so that biodiversity is maintained, and goals, policies, and procedures are followed.
• Participate as a member of a burn crew working throughout the Central Region, and occasionally in other parts of the state. Develop and follow burn plans, coordinate required approvals, and follow all safety requirements during burn implementation.
• Install and maintain public use facilities such as parking lots, roads, signs, gates, and fences, and promote appropriate public activities on SNAs and NPBs in the Central Region.
• Correct site damage (e.g., storm clean-up) and violations (e.g., trespass or garbage dumping) to maintain the quality of Central Region SNAs. Communicate with appropriate contacts (e.g., supervisor, DNR enforcement staff) to report issues and discuss potential solutions.
• Lead the work of laborers, volunteers, and temporary crews in the operation or repair of equipment, establishment of facilities, and management of natural resources on Central Region SNAs and NPBs.
• Maintain electronic records of management, development, contracts, and conservation partner projects taking place on SNAs and NPBs. Report clear, concise records of work completed to support accurate tracking of management histories and budget reporting.
• Participate in employee training programs and other educational opportunities that will ensure employee safety, enhance employee work performance, and assure proper use of equipment.

The SNA Technician must have the ability to perform hard physical labor for extended and irregular periods of time, under adverse conditions and in all extremes of weather. This physical labor includes digging, lifting, shoveling, hauling, carrying, bending, pushing, climbing, and walking on uneven terrain. Additionally, The SNA Technician must be willing and able to operate commonly used equipment used in natural resource management such as (chain saws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, boats, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.).

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree in wildlife, natural resource management, ecology, or related field. OR One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire techniques and methods; operation of equipment commonly used in natural resource management such as trucks, skid steers, and chainsaws; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
• Position requires a Class A – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of ecology, natural resource management and restoration, and prescribed burning sufficient to recommend, create, and implement management plans.
• Ability to make recommendations on all facets of natural resource development, management, planning and fieldwork.
• Knowledge of invasive plants and control methods sufficient to identify potential invasive species treatment needs and implement appropriate control methods.
• Familiarity with common equipment used in natural resource management (chain saws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, boats, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc.) sufficient to make recommendations on equipment needed to conduct natural resource management.
• Ability to interpret and understand aerial photos and biological data, create field maps, and maintain field notes.
• Demonstrated skills in the use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ArcMap/ArcPro, sufficient to perform spatial analysis, create map products, and maintain data on work accomplishments.
• Communication and comprehension skills sufficient to understand and carry out oral and written directions, accurately compile survey data, produce reports, and develop management and project plans.
• Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
• Ability to work in team settings and manage conflict.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies.
• Experience conducting prescribed burns.
• Certified as a prescribed fire burn boss.
• Class A – Commercial Driver’s License.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program.

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

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 Kit Elstad-Haveles at kit.elstad-haveles@state.mn.us or 651-245-0569.

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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@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.