Regional Plant Ecologist Job Bemidji area,Minnesota USA,Science

Application Review Begins:
Saturday, August 01, 2026

Final date to receive applications:
Friday, August 21, 2026

Institution: N/A

Department/Division:
Ecological and Water Resources

Field (e.g., systematics):
Ecology

City:
Bemidji, MN, USA

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) permanent full-time Regional Plant Ecologist located in Bemidji, Minnesota. This position exists to support conservation, environmental review, regulatory decision-making, restoration, and land management to promote Minnesota's ecological communities and native plants with an emphasis on rare communities and species, and to support sustainable ecological diversity, function, and resilience across the landscape within the Northwest Region.

This position will focus on prairies, savannas, calcareous fens, and open peatland ecological systems.

Qualifications/Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Science degree in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related field with an emphasis in ecology.
Three (3) years of professional-level experience coordinating and integrating conservation of rare species, biodiversity, and ecological approaches into sustainable management of prairie, savanna, and wetland communities.
** An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience**
Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS or similar software, to perform spatial analyses and create map products, along with proficiency in standard computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, and relational databases.
Experience conducting ecological fieldwork, including vegetation sampling and the collection, management, analysis, and interpretation of data related to plant taxonomy, community ecology, and landscape ecology.
Communication skills sufficient to communicate and present technical and non-technical ecological information through reports, presentations, training, and outreach to diverse audiences, including land managers, agency staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Ability to integrate ecological information and priorities with social and economic considerations to develop resource management and protection recommendations.
Knowledge of conservation biology, biodiversity, and ecological principles sufficient to evaluate impacts on native plant communities and rare species to support natural resource management decisions.
Knowledge of common and rare Minnesota plants sufficient to classify native plant communities and document and describe conservation values (e.g., rare species).
Ability to navigate rough terrain and difficult field conditions in remote areas using a compass, maps, aerial photographs, and GPS equipment.
Ability to establish productive working relationships and to listen and respectfully interact with people holding differing points of view and values.
Experience effectively managing and prioritizing a large and multifaceted workload and carrying multiple projects through to completion.

Preferred Qualifications:

Advanced degree in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, conservation biology, natural resource management, or closely related field.
Experience conducting surveys or working with native plants and plant communities in Minnesota, especially prairie, savanna, calcareous fen, and/or open peatland ecosystems.
A thorough understanding of native plant communities and native flora of the Northwest Region of Minnesota.
Experience evaluating potential impacts to native plant communities and rare species and developing science-based recommendations to avoid or minimize those impacts.
Experience planning and delivering technical training, outreach, or educational programs related to ecology or natural resource management.
Knowledge of or training in negotiation, conflict resolution, or collaborative problem-solving.
Knowledge of soil science, limnology, hydrology, silviculture, chemistry, and/or statistics.

Responsibilities:

Provide leadership, coordination and technical guidance to integrate ecological information into land management and stewardship on public…