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Assistant Area Wildlife Manager

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Assistant Area Wildlife Manager
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 87858
  • Location: New London
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 08/26/2025
  • Closing Date: 09/15/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes - Occasionally
  • Salary Range: $26.04 - $37.98 / hourly; $54,371 - $79,302 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Employees/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  • Reposting: 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.

Job Summary

 

The DNR is currently seeking an Assistant Area Wildlife Manager in New London, MN. This position exists to protect and enhance wildlife populations and capital improvements through development, maintenance and restoration or construction of wildlife habitats and facilities on all wildlife management areas in the New London work area. The incumbent will assess, design, lead, implement, and evaluate wildlife management activities in the New London wildlife work area resulting in optimum and sustained use of wildlife resources and the protection, sustainability, and enhancement of wildlife communities for their intrinsic value and long-term benefits to the people of Minnesota. 

Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate resource management activities throughout the work area with Ecological and Water Resources, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife, watershed districts, SWCD’s, non-governmental organizations (e.g. The Nature Conservancy, Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited), and other natural resource specialists so that management practices promote optimum abundance and diversity of wildlife and plant communities, consistent with statewide population goals.
  • Lead the implementation of habitat management, facility development, and maintenance in the Wildlife Area so that wildlife resources and public use are enhanced.
  • Lead efforts to protect wildlife and habitat through habitat evaluation, land acquisition, and environmental review so that healthy and diverse wildlife habitats will be maintained on the landscape.
  • Apply the principles of shallow lake and wetland habitat management in cooperation with the Shallow Lakes Program and Wetland Management Program staff to directly benefit and enhance the aquatic resources of the Wildlife Area for wildlife and stakeholders.
  • Investigate, address, and mitigate complaints of depredation or nuisance caused by deer, bear, geese, cranes, and other wildlife in cooperation with the Animal Damage Program. Tools applied include temporary fencing, shooting, permits, rubber ammo, protective wrapping, general hazing, and permanent exclusion fencing. 
  • Plan and direct physical and biological inventories of wildlife resources for the purposes of collecting information from which to describe resource attributes, evaluate resource health, identify resource issues, and measure resource management effectiveness.
  • Protect, maintain, and improve wildlife habitat and native plant communities on lands within the work area so that appropriate wildlife population levels are met, and diversity goals are integrated into an ecosystem-based management strategy.
  • Use GIS tools, databases, and technology to conduct complex analyses, evaluations, and prepare products to assist in documenting and communicating wildlife use, habitat conditions, and project work accomplished within the wildlife work area.
  • Provide information and education to and communicate with the public and users of the area so that opportunities, regulations, policies, and goals of the section of wildlife will be known and understood, and the interests of the public are addressed.
  • Purchase, organize, and maintain equipment and hand tools for use on Fireline and habitat management throughout the work area. This includes small engine, sprayer, and pump maintenance.
  • Conducts general administrative and fiscal duties to maintain a productive workforce and effective resource management.  Act as a lead worker at the wildlife office and team member at regional and statewide meetings and planning groups. Assist with financial and other reporting. Demonstrate accountability to Department personnel and interested stakeholders by adhering to Department policies and guidelines. 

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. 

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date. 

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.
  • Transcript requirement:
    • A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to Wildlife Management, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Biology.
    • One (1) course in each: chemistry or physics; statistics; communication; and ecology. 
    • At least four (4) additional wildlife or ecology, or related courses, such as animal or plant taxonomy, comparative anatomy or physiology, soils or geology, mammalogy, ornithology, parasitology, etc. 
  • Two (2) years of professional level (e.g., NR Specialist) wildlife or habitat management experience sufficient to implement wildlife and habitat management, facility development, and maintenance duties in a Wildlife Area.
  • Experience in wildlife habitat management including managing prairie and wetland habitats for wildlife.
  • Technical knowledge of wildlife species identification, habitat relationships, food habits, animal behavior, parasites and disease, life histories, and reproductive potential.
  • Ability to become National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualified through completing required coursework and field training within twelve (12) months of hire.
  • Knowledge of census/survey techniques and their limitations. 
  • Knowledge sufficient to identify common terrestrial and aquatic plants.
  • Writing skills sufficient to communicate work programs, project proposals, accomplishment reports, statements of work, work orders, contracts, hunting season data, and general correspondence. 
  • Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Knowledge of hunting and trapping traditions, methods, and regulations.
  • Knowledge of development and implementation of project proposals using available, staff, tools, and equipment.
  • GIS/GPS education or experience. 
  • Ability to safely operate and conduct routine maintenance on 4WD trucks, trailers, UTVs, boats, chainsaws, small engines, and other tools and equipment.
  • Ability to use various computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, data base, and ArcPro mapping software. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Wildlife Biology or related field.
  • Certified at the Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) level or higher with basic wildland firefighter training completed (S-130 Firefighter Training, S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, L-180 Human Factors on the Fireline, IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS-700 An Introduction to the National Incident Management System.
  • Knowledge of citizen participation, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques.
  • Field experience with standard prairie restoration and management practices, especially prescribed burning.
  • Experience in coordinating wetland restoration and/or management, especially in a collaborative effort with other disciplines or organizations.
  • Experience in project management. This includes work planning and writing contracts, work orders, or statements of work for wildlife habitat or facility projects. 
  • Experience in coordinating with directing and supervising contractors or work crews. 
  • Ability to multitask, lead, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
  • Experience and proficiency working with ArcPro mapping software.
  • Certified as a licensed applicator of pesticides for invasive species management. 
  • A working knowledge of other disciplines such as fisheries, forestry, engineering, legal land survey, soil conservation, and hydrology to guide the development of partnerships and projects. 

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

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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cory Netland at Cory.Netland@state.mn.us or 320-347-7632.

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 Jordan Krueger at jordan.krueger@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

  • A sense of purpose in their work
  • Connection with their coworkers and communities
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

  • Paid vacation and sick leave 
  • 12 paid holidays each year 
  • Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
    • Fertility care, including IVF
    • Diabetes care
    • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
  • 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
  • Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
  • Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
  • Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
  • Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

  • Training, classes, and professional development
  • Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

  • A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
  • Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
  • Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

 

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. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.