Invasive Species Specialist Senior - Spec Sr Eco Svcs

Working Title:

Invasive Species Specialist Senior

Job Class:
Natural Resources Specialist Senior
- Ecological Services

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  Mankato
• 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: 09/05/2026
• Closing Date: 09/25/2026
• 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, as necessary within the region
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually
• Job Class Option:
  Aquatic Biologist
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/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 by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Full-time Unlimited Invasive Species Specialist Senior located in Mankato, Minnesota. The Invasive Species Specialist Senior will serve to provide planning, implementation, and evaluation of Invasive Species Program prevention and management activities within a region. In addition, this position will provide technical assistance to DNR programs and staff whose work responsibilities involve invasive species prevention and management activities.

• Serve as a technical expert by providing technical guidance to DNR programs and staff, LGUs, citizen groups, and members of the public whose work involves prevention and management activities related to aquatic invasive species.
• Monitor populations of selected aquatic invasive species in the region, tabulate collected data, and provide data to central database and for program reports.
• Manage populations of selected harmful invasive species in order to help prevent their spread within the state, and to reduce the impact of those species on water recreation, industry, and natural ecosystems.
• Assist in the preparation and delivery of invasive species information and public awareness efforts to educate and inform the public so that they may help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species. This includes being an information clearinghouse for the region related to prevention and management of invasive species.
• Conduct administrative tasks necessary to carry out responsibilities according to state standards so that activities are in compliance with department and state policies.

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 an annual telework agreement.

• Bachelor's degree Ecology, Biology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years professional experience designing and implementing (including data management and analysis) biological assessments and habitat management actions benefiting aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems.
  ** An Advanced degree in a field listed above may substitute one year of experience**.
• 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…