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Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife or Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate - Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 88405
  • Location: Karlstad
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 09/10/2025
  • Closing Date: 09/30/2025
  • 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: 
    • Natural Resource Specialist - Wildlife: $24.42 - $35.43/hourly; $50,988 - $73,977/annually
    • Natural Resource Specialist Intermediate - Wildlife: $26.04 - $37.98/hourly; $54,372 - $79,302/annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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

 

ATTENTION APPLICANTS:  This vacancy is being announced at two different job classes at the same time: NR Specialist- Wildlife and NR Specialist Intermediate- Wildlife.  Only one position is being filled at the Karlstad Area Wildlife office location. The final classification and starting salary are dependent on successful applicant qualifications.  There is only one Job ID for this vacancy, and you will be considered for the highest classification for which you qualify.

The DNR is currently seeking an Assistant Area Wildlife Manager in Karlstad, MN. This position exists to preserve, manage, and develop the wildlife resources on wildlife management areas (WMAs), other state lands, and private lands within the Karlstad work area; to gather and provide information and assistance to the Department in formulating sound resource policies; to maintain public hunting grounds for use by the public; and to provide information to the public to enable them to make sound decisions regarding use of natural resources. This position is also to provide assistance to Area Wildlife Supervisor (AWS).

There are approximately 74,000 acres of WMA and 23,500 acres of administered state trust fund land (some within WMA boundaries), located in Kittson, southwestern Roseau, and northwestern Marshall Counties. Most of the managed lands are located within the Aspen Parklands ecoregion, with a smaller portion in the Red River Prairie.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with management of northwest Minnesota’s elk herd. They will also assist in all other management activities in the work area including prescribed burning, prairie restoration, oak savannah restoration, timber management, invasive plant control, mechanical brush treatment projects, and wetland enhancement projects. The successful candidate will also assist in WMA boundary management, and various maintenance projects (equipment, campgrounds, trails). Public contact is a major component of all responsibilities

Responsibilities include:

  • Lead the implementation of habitat management, facility development, and maintenance in the Wildlife Area so that wildlife resources and public use are enhanced. Assist with the planning and implementation of wildlife habitat development and maintenance activities, so that the area’s ecosystems are maintained and protected, and desired wildlife populations goals are attained.
  • 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. Conduct environmental review programs so that wildlife resources can be preserved, protected, and enhanced, and environmental degradation minimized. Provide information and education to the public concerning resource related topics so that policies, objectives, and responsibilities of the Department are understood.
  • Lead implementation of wildlife population management programs in a manner that is consistent with the Section of Wildlife goals and objectives.
  • Effectively communicates wildlife management work and needs to gain public understanding and support for wildlife management programs. Provide information and education to the public concerning resource-related topics so that policies, objectives, and responsibilities of the Department are understood.
  • Perform fiscal and other administrative activities for the Wildlife Area so that priority habitat and facility management activities are completed according to desired time schedules. Assist with financial and other reporting. Demonstrate accountability to Department personnel and interested stakeholders by adhering to Department policies and guidelines.

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. 

NR Specialist Wildlife:

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis. 
  • Transcript requirement:
    • A minimum of three (3) courses directly related to wildlife management/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. 

NR Specialist Intermediate Wildlife:

  • Bachelor's degree in wildlife or equivalent field with wildlife emphasis.
  • Transcript requirement as described above.
  • 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.

At either level, minimum qualifications must include:

  • 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.
  • Experience in wildlife habitat management including managing forest, brush land, prairie, and/or wetland habitats for wildlife.
  • Technical knowledge of wildlife species identification, habitat relationships, food habits, animal behavior, parasites and disease, life histories, and reproductive potential. Along with knowledge sufficient to identify common terrestrial and aquatic plants.
  • Writing skills sufficient to communicate work programs, project proposals, accomplishment reports, survey results, hunting season data, and correspondence. 
  • Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Knowledge of development and implementation of project proposals using available, staff, tools, and equipment.
  • Ability to use various computer software including word processing, spreadsheets, data base, and mapping software.
  • GIS/GPS education or experience.
  • Knowledge of how to safely operate, transport, and conduct maintenance on equipment including hand and power tools. Must be able to demonstrate ability, pass all required training, and complete all position task books for (but not limited to) 4WD trucks, trailers, boats, snowmobile, ATV, UTV, tractors with attachments, chain saw, brush saw, and tracked vehicle. 

 

 

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.
  • Qualified as a:
    • MFIRB (Minnesota Firing Boss – Minnesota DNR standards) or State/NWCG equivalent. 
    • MRXB3 (Minnesota Burn Boss Type 3) or State/NWCG equivalent. 
    • MRXB2 (Minnesota Burn Boss Type 2) or State/NWCG equivalent 
  • Knowledge of citizen participation, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques.
  • Knowledge of census/survey techniques and their limitations.
  • Knowledge of hunting and trapping traditions, methods, and regulations.
  • Field experience with standard prairie restoration/management practices and prescribed burning.
  • Experience in coordinating wetland management for wildlife habitat with other disciplines or organizations.
  • Experience in writing contracts for wildlife habitat or facility projects. 
  • Experience in work planning, directing, and supervising contractors or work crews. 
  • Ability to multitask, lead, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
  • Certified as a licensed applicator of pesticides for invasive species management. 
  • Ability to fly in small aircraft at low altitudes as an observer in aerial surveys. 
  • Experience with operating farm and other equipment, trucks, trailers, boats, and ATVs, along with basic equipment maintenance and repair. 
  • Experience with conservation grazing
  • Experience with wildlife food plots.
  • A working knowledge of other disciplines such as fisheries, forestry, engineering, 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 Jason Wollin at jason.wollin@state.mn.us or 218-772-1261.

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.