Job Description

Job Details

Working Title: SNA Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 78405
• Location : Fergus Falls
• Telework Eligible : No
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 09/07/2024
• Closing Date : 09/30/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Thursday; 7:00 AM - 5:30PM
• Travel Required : Yes - Regularly throughout region, occasional statewide; occasionally overnight.
• Salary Range: $23.26 - $32.79 / hourly; $48,566 - $68,465 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : AFSCME
• Work Area : Fergus Falls Area
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill three (3) permanent full-time Scientific and Natural Areas Technician positions in Fergus Falls. 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) Unit including those lands enrolled in Native Prairie Bank (NPB), Prairie Tax Exemption, dedicated SNAs, or other lands administered by the SNA Unit.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical and operational support in the restoration, maintenance and enhancement of prairie, forest, and wetland natural communities on any Scientific and Natural Areas, Native Prairie Bank, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit as directed or assigned so that important sites are protected and work plan goals, policies, and procedures are fulfilled.
• Develop and maintain facilities such as parking lots, roads, signs, gates, and fences and maintain equipment such as ATVs, UTVs, tractors, trailers, water pumps, chainsaws, brush saws, etc. to protect the natural resources and promote appropriate public activities on Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Banks, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit.
• Conduct assigned natural resource management tasks on specified Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit and other tasks as assigned to maintain and improve native plant and animal communities and prevent and correct damage or nuisance problems. Includes participation as a member of a burn crew in spring and fall and occasional participation in other management and development projects in other regions of the state.
• Work with other staff as a team. Periodically direct the work of other technicians, laborers, volunteers, and temporary crews on assigned projects, in the operation and repair of equipment, helping other staff, and establishing and maintaining natural resources and facilities on Scientific and Natural Areas, Prairie Bank, and other lands administered by the SNA Unit.
• Collaborate in administration of management and records so that resource management is smoothly, safely, and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, and legal mandates.
• 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 as assigned in employee information and training programs and other educational opportunities that will ensure employee safety, enhance employee work performance, and assure proper use of equipment.

The SNA Technician Applicants will be required to pass an annual work capacity test at the moderate or arduous level to participate on prescribed burns. The work capacity test requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack at the moderate level. The SNA Technician must also 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.).

Qualifications

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 loaders, 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.
• Experience with prescribed burning or wildfire suppression and the ability to annually complete the moderate level work capacity test.
• 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.
• 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 in planning, preparation, and conducting prescribed burns.
• Certified as a firing boss or prescribed fire burn boss.
• Current Class A – Commercial Driver’s License.
• 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.

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

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Tyler Larson at tyler.k.larson@state.mn.us or 218-616-4061.

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.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Gangs, Shift work, Night shift, Day shift,

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