Parks and Trails Conservation Aide- NR Tech

Parks and Trails Conservation Aide

Job Class:

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Location:

Moose Lake

Telework Eligible:
No

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:
Seasonal

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified job seekers

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

Work Area:
Moose Lake

FLSA Status:
Non Exempt

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Additional Requirements

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 of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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