Aquatic Plant Habitat Specialist - Spec Sr Fisheries

Aquatic Plant Habitat Specialist -  Sr Fisheries

Join to apply for the Aquatic Plant Habitat Specialist -  Sr Fisheries role at Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  Brainerd
• 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: 12/18/2025
• Closing Date: 01/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  No
• Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

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 through benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position functions as the DNR Commissioners’ delegate in administering aquatic habitat‑related programs of the Department of Natural Resources, Section of Fisheries in a multi‑county area that includes over 700 lakes and approximately 100 streams and rivers in Region 2. The job primarily involves the Aquatic Plant Management Program (APM), interactions with planning and zoning officials from local government units that deal with shoreline development, assisting with the Shoreline Habitat Program (SHP), and other habitat‑based projects within the DNR Northeast Region 2.

The position also aids other staff to protect, preserve, and enhance fish and wildlife habitat through the effective implementation of best management practices as they relate to fisheries management activities. The person in this position is the lead worker in planning and implementing the APM program and guides staff at the Brainerd APM office.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part‑time basis, subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries, or a closely associated area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.
• Transcript requirements:
  • Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. A minimum of 4 courses, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management.
  • Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
  • Physical sciences courses. Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours.
  • Mathematics and statistics courses. Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1 statistics course or 2 statistics courses.
  • Communications courses. Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college).
  • To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be ‘C‑’ or higher.
  • Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries Professional will be accepted in lieu of the required coursework.
• Three (3) years of experience in fish management, aquatic ecosystems and habitat management, or other natural resource management field to sufficiently assess aquatic and riparian habitat for fish and wildlife benefits.
• Ability to maintain and operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, etc.
• Ability to identify native and non‑native aquatic plants at various life stages.
• Oral communication and writing skills sufficient to document draft management plans/reports.
• Interpersonal skills demonstrated when representing region at…