Job Description

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Job Details

Working Title: Loon Program Coordinator

Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 81698
• Location : Brainerd
• Telework Eligible : Yes - Flexible, depending on season.
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 11/14/2024
• Closing Date : 12/04/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MAPE
• 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 hire a permanent full-time Loon Program Coordinator. This position exists to promote the conservation and restoration of the Common Loon within the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in conjunction with USFWS and USGS; in order to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore wildlife resources for their intrinsic value, ecosystem functions, long-term benefits, and public enjoyment. This will be accomplished according to priorities identified in DNR's loon restoration project and the Nongame Wildlife Program. The overall goals of the program are to: (1) to protect lakeshore loon nesting habitat via either land acquisition or easements, (2) to enhance loon productivity by creating/ improving habitat in targeted lakes and engaging Minnesota lake associations in loon conservation activities. And (3) monitoring loon trends and productivity through targeted research and community science engagement. Principal work area includes Aitkin, Cass, Crow Wing, Itasca, Koochiching, and Wadena counties although aspects of certain work responsibilities are statewide.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate ecological-based decision making related to acquiring (through fee title, permanent easement, or transfer) loon habitat.
• Coordinate loon habitat enhancement efforts, document and communicate progress and barriers (includes developing best practices for lake plans or AMA plans, detailing when/where Artificial Nesting Platforms (ANP) are appropriate, address process for contracts with lake associations, establish habitat enhancement actions for protected areas, etc.)
• Coordinate and report on implementation activities related to acquisitions, Loon-Friendly Lake association registry, loon conservation plans and loon monitoring efforts.
• Coordinate loon restoration program outreach and education events to raise awareness about loons, loon habitat and loon conservation.

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 an annual telework agreement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, ecology, or conservation biology.
• Three years professional experience coordinating large science programs or projects, including planning and interpreting data and applying knowledge to project activities. (An advanced degree in related field may sub for one year of experience)
• Experience with statistical software and Geographic Information Systems.
• Knowledge of the natural history and distribution of greatest conservation need, ecological principles and processes, animal taxonomy, animal and plant identification animal behavior, physiology, general biology, landscape ecology, research techniques, and statical analysis.
• Ability to interpret laws, regulations, and requirements.
• Knowledge of wildlife survey techniques and ability to interpret research results.
• Skills in the use of word processing and spreadsheets to create various documents.
• Ability to create articles and presentations for both a general and professional audience.
• Ability to communicate complex information to a diverse audience and stakeholders to promote the conservation of Minnesota's native animals and ecosystems.
• Skills in team building, networking, and leadership to bring together diverse interests and accomplish goals.
• Coaching skills sufficient to identify and overcome impediments to collaborations, and to instruct and guide collogues, volunteers, and interns.
• Ability to track expenditures and budgets, and assess additional funding needs to implement program needs.
• Ability to maintain organized records and files, and report accomplishments on a timely basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a wildlife biologist/specialist, or wildlife manager.
• Knowledge in a particular taxonomic group.
• Knowledge of relational databases and statistical methods and applications.
• Knowledge of departmental policy and programs.
• Experience coordinating volunteers participating in community science monitoring efforts

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

If you have questions about this position, contact Kristin Hall at kristin.hall@state.mn.us or 651-303-2725.

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 Careers Help Desk 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, Work visa, Gangs, H1b, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,

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