Parks and Trails Conservation Aide- NR Tech

Parks and Trails Conservation Aide-

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life.

Working Title :
Parks and Trails Conservation Aide
Job Class:
Agency:
Agency MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job : 95615
• Location: Moose Lake
• Full/Part Time
  :
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/28/2026
• Closing Date: 8/17/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday; 7am-5:30pm
• Travel Required
  :
  Yes; up to 30%
• Salary Range: $21.73 - $30.20 / hourly; $45,372 - $63,058 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207
  - Technical/AFSCME

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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1)  position located in Moose Lake, Minnesota. Days of work are Monday through Thursday, hours of work are 7:00am - 5:30pm.

This position exists to provide technical assistance in implementing the natural habitat & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails in District 5 in NE Minnesota.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implement resource management activities to protect and improve wetland, grassland, and forest resources in accordance with division policy and procedure.
• Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
• Conduct prescribed burns and / or responds to wildfires and incidents as assigned.
• Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
• Inventories and surveys plant and animal species to better evaluate community diversity/abundance.
• Assists program staff with mentoring and training of field crews in plant identification, chainsaw safety, herbicide best management practices, and prescribed fire.

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.

• Ability to direct work activities to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups.
• Ability to transport and operate heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaw / brush saws, pumps, sprayers, UTV's, ATV's power tools, and other equipment.
• Ability to apply herbicides pesticides
• Ability to identify Minnesota flora and manage native and invasive plant species.
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
• Current certification as chainsaw Faller 3.

• One Year (12 months) experience in natural resources or habitat management.
• Experience transporting and operating heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
• Advanced experience in safe and efficient operation of chainsaws (Faller 2 or higher).
• Certification as Faller 2 level or higher.
• Experience conducting prescribed burns.
• Current certification as a Basic Firefighter - FFT2 or above.

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years…