Fisheries Section Manager – Program Manager

Job Summary

The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) Fisheries Section Manager at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.

This position directs the state‑wide fisheries management section—covering research, habitat, field operations, and regulations—to ensure healthy fish populations and sustainable commercial/recreational fishing. As a key member of the Division of Fish and Wildlife Leadership Team, the incumbent manages personnel and budgetary resources to achieve strategic conservation goals.

• Provide leadership to the Fisheries Section so that section staff understand their roles in the organization and that department, division, and section goals and objectives are met.
• Direct the statewide fisheries program so that department priorities and objectives are met in an effective and timely manner.
• Hire and supervise well‑qualified staff to develop and implement programs and support division work and field operations.
• Direct the section budget so the financial needs of all fisheries programs are met.
• Manage the legislative activities of the Fisheries Section so Legislature has accurate and complete information about fisheries activities.
• Represent the department concerning fisheries matters with other states, federal agencies, Tribal governments, MN state agencies and multi‑state compacts and commissions so there is an exchange of information, programs are coordinated among jurisdictions and problems are resolved. Work with NGO partners, fishing industry representatives, lake associations and private citizens on fisheries management issues.
• Demonstrate commitment to the department’s safety culture by providing leadership and guidance to employees that encourages safe behavior in the workplace. Ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

This position will require the incumbent to occasionally travel in‑state or nationally.

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries biology, ecology, management or closely related area.
• Four (4) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising fisheries management or research sufficient to advise, monitor and support section operations.
• Experience directing and overseeing budgets, programs, projects, and the work of professional level staff.
• Experience in long range and strategic planning sufficient to develop operational and project plans.
• Organizational skills with the ability to maintain and prioritize workloads focusing on long‑range issues and directions while meeting short‑term operational demands and anticipating future expectations.
• Human relations and interpersonal skills sufficient to direct, develop and engage staff and form/maintain interdisciplinary partnerships and teams.
• Communication skills sufficient to accurately and effectively transmit information through verbal and written formats, and establish strong working relationships with DNR leadership, DNR staff, and other internal or external partners.
• Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions on policy/program direction, staff, budget, etc.
• Problem solving skills sufficient to define, understand, analyze, prioritize and recommend solutions to complex problems related to operations, policy and program priorities.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, organizations, boards, or councils.

• Knowledge of current conservation issues facing Minnesota natural resources.
• Knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of aquatic habitat management approaches such as restoration, enhancement, and protection in a collaborative environment involving multiple partners.
• Knowledge of comprehensive strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to direct and participate in the generation of strategic, species, habitat, unit and system plans.
• Knowledge of statutes, policies, and legislative processes.

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…