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Working Title: Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior Ecological Services

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

+ **Job ID:** 91256

+ **Location:** St. Paul

+ **Telework Eligible** : Yes – Up to 50%

+ **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time

+ **Regular/Temporary:** Unlimited

+ **Who May Apply:** Open to all qualified job seekers

+ **Date Posted:** 01/15/2026

+ **Closing Date:** 02/04/2026

+ **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 - during Field Season

+ **Salary Range:** $29.25 - $ 42.94/ hourly; $61,074- $89,659 / annually

+ **Classified Status:** Classified

+ **Bargaining Unit:** 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)

+ **FLSA Status:** Exempt-Professional

+ 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.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to hire an Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist in St. Paul, MN. This Specialist will serve to provide planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Invasive Species Program prevention and management activities within the assigned region. In addition, this position will provide technical assistance to DNR programs and staff whose work responsibilities involve invasive species prevention and management activities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

+ Administer Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permits, Prohibited and Regulated Aquatic Invasive Species and Infested Water Permits to support the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program goals through the issuance of permits.

+ Coordinate, implement, and evaluate invasive species management, prevention and regulatory activities related to Minnesota's Aquatic Invasive Species Statute and Rules within assigned counties.

+ Manage and inventory invasive species data and utilizes the best science to evaluate prevention and management outcomes for the Invasive Species Program.

+ Implement internal DNR policies and initiatives related to the DNR's statutory responsibilities for identifying, listing, and managing invasive aquatic species.

+ Serve as a technical expert of aquatic invasive species by providing technical and regulatory assistance to both internal staff and external partners.

+ Implement the District’s AIS functions, in collaboration with the other District Invasive Species Specialist.

+ Provide direction and coordination for program administration to assigned interns or staff.

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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree Ecology, Biology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or closely related field with coursework in aquatic sciences, plant biology and ecology.

+ Three years professional experience designing and implementing (including data management and analysis) biological assessments and habitat management actions benefiting aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems.

+ Advanced degree in a field listed above may substitute one year of experience.

+ Experience in operating a watercraft and navigating a waterbody using GPS equipment.

+ Knowledge of aquatic plant field survey techniques and plant specimen preparation and preservation methods.

+ Knowledge of aquatic plant management techniques along with the ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate control activities in Minnesota and their impacts.

+ Ability to identify aquatic invasive species and native aquatic plants found in Minnesota.

+ Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, in particular, ArcView/ArcGIS sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products.

+ Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance, training and to achieve cooperation and collaboration with clients, peers, and staff.

+ Technical writing skills sufficient to author and disseminate survey results to a variety of audiences.

+ Skills in data management and analysis sufficient to use statistical software and or relational databases to analyze data and report results

+ Ability to effectively manage and prioritize a large and multifaceted workload and carry multiple projects through to completion.

+ Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting in public and ability to work well with traditional media and social media to reach the public with conservation messages.

+ Skills in word processing, and in the use of spreadsheets, and relational databases to enter, manipulate and report data.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Advanced degree in Aquatic Biology/Ecology or a closely related field.

+ Knowledge of the DNR’s organizational structure is desirable.

+ Supervisory and/or lead worker experience.

+ Knowledgeable of aquatic pesticides and understanding of state and federal pesticide laws in Minnesota.

+ Working knowledge of state invasive species laws and rules, as well as other state and federal resource management agencies, local governmental units, and their respective authority, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management.

+ Ability to incorporate considerable knowledge and analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action.

+ Previous natural resource permitting or regulatory experience.

+ Experience using Arc Collector or a comparable data collection application.

+ Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) certification.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. 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

+ Education Verification

+ Employment Reference / Records Check

+ License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.