Scientific and Natural Areas Technician - NR Tech...

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) permanent full-time Scientific and Natural Areas Technician position located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position serves as the SNA Technician and exists to provide technical and para-professional support in carrying out natural resource management and development activities on private and public lands administered by the Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) program primarily in the DNR Central Region.

Responsibilities include:

• 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.

• Develop and maintain public use facilities such as parking lots, roads, signs, gates and fences to protect the natural resources and promote appropriate public activities on Scientific and Natural Areas and other lands administered by the SNA Program.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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 such as chain saws, brush blades, tractors, ATVs, trucks and trailers, GPS, compass, canoes, seeders, chemical sprayers, mowers, etc…

• Associate’s degree in wildlife, natural resource management, ecology, or related field. OR One (1) year of experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire techniques and methods; operations 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 Driver’s License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (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.

• Knowledge of 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.

• 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.

• Demonstrated skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ArcMap/ArcPro, sufficient to perform spatial analysis, create map products, and maintain data on work accomplishments.

• 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 in planning or conducting prescribed burns.

• Certified as a prescribed fire burn boss.

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. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.