Upland Game Field Research Technician - Natural Resources Technician

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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: Upland Game Field Research Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 11/29/2023
• Closing Date : 12/27/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife Region 4
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Varies
• Days of Work : Varies
• Travel Required : Yes; travel to field sites located throughout south central, southwest, and west central Minnesota
• Salary Range: $20.13 - $27.98 / hourly; $42,031 - $58,422 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area : Madelia, MN
• End Date : 08/30/2024
• FLSA Status : Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible : No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities : No

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 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.
The DNR is currently seeking to fill two (2) temporary Natural Resources Technician positions tosupport Upland Game research projects led by staff in the Farmland Wildlife Populations and Research Group during 2024. These positions will primarily be located nearMadelia, MN and will travel to field sites located throughout south central, southwest, and west central Minnesota . Days and hours will vary, and may include early mornings, late nights, overnights, weekends, and holidays. Both positions will begin on/near March 1, 2024. Each position is expected to operate until August 30, 2024, with the potential for extending one position until late November 2024 depending on research needs.Housing may be available,but some restrictions apply.
These positions will primarily support: 1) a research project investigating the feasibility of using drones and GPS collars to help capture and track ring-necked pheasants in grasslands with and without cover crops in the surrounding rowcrop agriculture landscape (pheasants/cover crops), and 2) a research project evaluating neonicotinoid insecticide concentrations in pheasants and their associated habitats (pheasants/neonics), and may assist with other research and population monitoring projects as needed.Technicians will assist project leads in conducting fieldwork, processing samples, recording observational notes, entering data into electronic files, maintaining and organizing equipment and supplies, and writing summaries of activities. The fieldwork will includecollecting samples and data under a variety of challenging field and weather conditions throughout Minnesota's changing seasons.
Responsibilities may include:

1. Working as a team to capture, handle, and radiocollar adult pheasants in the habitat after initially being located via drone.
2. Monitoring adult pheasants for movement and survival using field-based handheld VHF telemetry (including triangulation and homing techniques), vehicle-mounted VHF telemetry, and by retrieving and processing data from Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitters.
3. Using VHF radiotelemetry in the field and processing GPS transmitter data to monitor nests for survival and hatch status.
4. Using radiotelemetry and processing GPS transmitter data to monitor broods for survival status and movements.
5. Collecting insect, vegetation, and soil samples in the field, then properly preparing, organizing, and storing these samples in the lab for future chemical analysis of neonics.
6. Dissecting harvested pheasants to remove tissues (e.g., crops, livers), then properly preparing, organizing, and storing these samples in the lab for future chemical analysis of neonics.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of ecology and wildlife biology.
• Experience following written protocols and collecting biological data in wildlife field settings.
• Work experience navigating terrain over distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
• Work experience with avian nest monitoring.
• Applied skills in standard lab techniques to prepare, organize, and properly store biological data including animal tissue samples.
• Ability to work responsibly and safely, including under challenging field conditions (cold, heat, rain, snow, biting insects), sometimes for long days and on rough, uneven terrain (especially grasslands) while transporting equipment.
• Ability to work a varying schedule as needed (e.g., early mornings, late nights, overnights) to meet the needs of data collection across different stages of the projects.
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively relay or receive technical information and record field data.
• Applied skill in use of standard software programs for word processing, creating/editing spreadsheets (such as Excel), and databases sufficient to accurately enter scientific data into data tablets, datasheets, and databases.
• Ability to work effectively and courteously withDNR staffand members of the public, including private landowners and hunters.
• Ability and willingness to work alone in the field, including remote areas, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate 4WD trucks on minimally maintained roads.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates or bachelor's degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
• Work experience safely handling wild birds, especially gamebirds such aspheasants or grouse, for marking purposes.
• Three (3) monthswork experience with avian nest monitoring that includes game birds.
• Experience with radiotelemetry equipment, includingtriangulation and homing techniques.
• Work experience collecting vegetation/habitat data.
• Experience identifying plants common to Midwest grasslands and farmlands.
• Experience interacting with public land managers, private landowners, and the general public.
• Experience using ArcGIS.
• Experience using Microsoft Access.
• Experience independently troubleshooting and resolving problems.

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 Nicole Davros at nicole.davros@state.mn.us or 507-578-8916 .
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.