Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist - Spec Eco Svcs

Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist -  Eco Svcs

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full‑time permanent Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist located in Brainerd, Minnesota. This position supports regional staff, primarily the Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist (REAE), to avoid, minimize, and/or compensate for adverse impacts to waters, fish, wildlife, and native plant resources. The engineer will provide and integrate science‑based information on ecological processes and ecological approaches to federal, state, local government, or private development projects, ensuring that environmental review documents are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention is completed.

• Gather, analyze, and prepare information for the evaluation of proposed projects in the northwest and/or northeast regions that require EWR review of public water permitting (Chapter 103G), Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), COE (Section 10/404), Lands and Minerals transactions, watershed management plans, and various miscellaneous program and Division related documents so that impacts to fish and wildlife resources are accurately identified and avoided, minimized, or compensated.
• Maintain a repository of project information, including project documents, comment deadlines and draft comments, so that projects are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention and posting of materials is completed.
• Complete administrative tasks necessary to carry out responsibilities according to state standards so that activities follow department and state policies.

• Bachelor’s Degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
• Computer knowledge including spreadsheet and word processing skills.
• Demonstrated skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly Arc Map or Arc Pro sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create maps for projects.
• Technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and disseminate review and analysis results to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to communicate with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to prioritize projects and allocate sufficient time to perform duties and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge sufficient to recognize the nature and degree of potential impacts of proposed projects on natural resources, convey those impacts to others, and make suggestions for avoidance measures.
• Ability to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, GPS equipment, or aerial maps.

• Advanced degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
• Experience with Environmental Review or working within a regulatory program.
• Ability to conduct field work under adverse weather conditions and learn to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, and GPS.

• 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

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 encourage 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.