At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Natural Resource Aid
Job Class: Laborer-General
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/15/2023
• Closing Date: 03/09/2023
• 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 - Travel required for field work and trainings.
• Salary Range: $17.23 - $21.54 / hourly
• Classified Status: Emergency
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time
• Work Area: Windom Office
• Anticipated Start Date: 04/03/2023
• End Date: 08/31/2023
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill two (2) emergency, Natural Resources Aide positions to work on an intermittent schedule from late April to late October. These positions serve to carry out primarily prescribed burns but also development, restoration, management, and other activities on Scientific and Natural Areas and Prairie Bank Easements in the Southern Region.

Responsibilities Include:

• Implement and carry out prescribed burns under the direction of the SNA Burn Boss.
• Perform natural resource management tasks individually and as part of a cooperative crew on sites and other tasks as assigned in order to maintain, enhance and/or reconstruct native plant and animal communities and the accompanying biological diversity.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to implement development and management activities and maintain records on work accomplished
• Knowledge of slip-on pumps, back pack pump cans, polaski, ATV with slip-on pump, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, and chain saws.
• Good human relations, interpersonal communications, and teamwork skills
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to work in the woods and field environment under a wide range of weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of SNA and Prairie Bank goals and philosophy.
• Work experience in natural resources management.
• Record-keeping skills.
• Experience using slip-on pumps, back pack pump cans, polaski, ATV with slip-on pump, brush cutters, herbicide sprayers, and/or chain saws.
• Current status as Minnesota Firefighter Type 2

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting articles of 50-pounds maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain.

Additional Requirements

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license verification

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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Tim Gieseke at tim.gieseke@state.mn.us or 507-308-0712.

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.