Temporary Elk Technician – Natural Resources Technician

Working Title :
Elk Technician
Job Class:
Natural Resources Technician
Agency:
MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  Middle River
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Temporary
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 8/26/2026
• Closing Date: 9/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Varies
• Days of Work:
  Varies
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes
• Salary Range: $21.73 - $30.20 hourly; $45,372 - $63,058 annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Non-represented Employees Compensation Plan
• Work Area:
  Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area
• Anticipated
  
  Start Date:
  
  12/14/2026
• End Date: 02/12/2027
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  No

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 DNR is currently seeking to fill two (2) full-time, temporary Natural Resources Technician positions anticipated to start December 14, 2026, and ending in February 2027. The work schedule (days and hours) will vary and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. These positions will support a study of elk life history, including adult and calf survival and habitat use in Minnesota.

The technicians will assist the Research Scientist 3 in conducting field work, capturing and handling elk to attach GPS tracking collars, scouting trapping locations, communicating with landowners, constructing and operating corral traps, assisting with helicopter capture operations, monitoring elk survival and movements, collecting habitat data and biological samples, recording observational notes, entering and reviewing data, and maintaining data collection equipment.

These positions will be based at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area and conduct work in or near Grygla, MN, and Karlstad MN and occasionally in adjacent areas of Canada, with travel to field sites in Marshall, Kittson, and nearby counties.

Field housing is available at no cost, primarily at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area and in Karlstad, MN.

• Capture adult elk, collect biological and observational data from elk, collect habitat and vegetation data and other samples in the field responsibly and safely for the project, or other projects as needed, including collecting samples and data in challenging weather conditions and sometimes for long periods of time.
• Perform accurate collection and entry of observational data and biological samples into datasheets, tablets, and databases as appropriate so that data and samples are available for review and analysis.
• Assist Research Scientist and other project personnel to properly maintain field equipment for use, storage, and transit.

This position requires the ability to work outdoors in harsh winter conditions while carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment for long periods of time. This work may be completed alone and/or in teams, including in remote areas during nonstandard work hours.

• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and collecting biological data in wildlife field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to move over uneven terrain for long distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
• Ability to safely handle wild elk for biological sample collection and GPS collaring purposes.
• Knowledge of common vegetation and habitat sampling techniques
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively relay or receive technical information, communicate with peers and members of the public, and record field data.
• Skill in use of standard software office programs for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and databases sufficient to accurately enter scientific data into data tablets, datasheets, and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to drive 4WD trucks on minimally maintained roads that may be covered in snow and mud.
• Ability to operate snowmobiles and ATVs.

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
• Work experience safely handling elk or other wild ungulates such as deer and moose.
• Work experience with radio-telemetry homing techniques.
• Experience collecting vegetation and habitat data, including following common vegetation sampling techniques.
• Experience interacting with public land managers, private landowners, and the general public.
• Experience independently troubleshooting and resolving problems.
• Knowledge of and experience identifying Minnesota vegetation (forbs, shrubs, and trees).

Additional Requirements This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear…