Job Class: NR Spec Sr WL Research
Job ID: 29423
Location: Bemidji, MN
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 01/10/2019
Closing Date: 01/24/2019
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $22.92 - $33.62 /hourly; $47,857 - $70,199 /annually + full benefits package
Classified Status: Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214–Professional/MAPE
Work Location: Bemidji, MN
End Date: 3/5/2022
Employment Condition: Limited, Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
Connect 700 Program Eligible: No
Job Summary
This position exists to support waterfowl, invertebrate, and wetland research by assisting a Research Leader in the planning, execution, and reporting management-oriented wetland research. This includes leading seasonal employees and graduate students in conducting data collection and analyses in the field and laboratory, analyzing large ecological datasets, and preparing reports and peer-reviewed publications to share research findings.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead the execution of a currently funded, large research proposal in close consultation with the Research Group Leader. Assist with logistical planning for field data collection and occasionally conduct field work on small wetlands in conjunction with graduate students and field technicians.
- Conduct data analyses to disentangle the complex, ecological relationships of wetland invertebrates, predators, and abiotic habitat variables. Report results and conclusions of research in oral and written formats so that findings can be used by scientists, natural resource managers, administrators, and the public.
- Plan and design original research and survey projects, both independently and in collaboration with the Group Leader, on the ecology, conservation, and management of waterfowl and wetlands in Minnesota in order to increase scientific knowledge that improves management effectiveness and conservation.
- Serve as a mentor for graduate students and undergraduate research technicians as related to their theses and undergraduate research projects, in collaboration with the Group Leader.
Minimum Qualifications:
- M.S. degree in wildlife ecology or closely related field AND 2 years of professional wildlife research experience.
- OR a Ph.D. in wildlife ecology or closely related field.
- Knowledge of wildlife ecology and conservation, including habitat management.
- Knowledge of statistics sufficient to analyze ecological data properly.
- Ability to identify the need for and to plan original research and survey projects, to formulate hypotheses and sampling designs sufficient to support the scientific and statistical validity of research projects, and to interpret data sufficient to draw reasonable inferences and conclusions.
- Experience organizing and conducting field work to collect ecological data.
- Experience with computer applications, including both (1) spreadsheets or databases to manage data input, retrieval, and compilation, and (2) statistical programs to summarize and analyze data.
- Experience publishing wildlife research results in peer-reviewed scientific journals as the lead author.
- Ability to conduct many types of field work, such as capturing and handling wild animals; identifying and observing wildlife by sight and sound; sampling vegetation; and operating equipment such as ATVs, motor boats, and trailers.
- Ability to work in adverse weather and environmental conditions such as heat, rain/humidity, extreme cold, and being exposed to ticks and biting insects.
- Ability to work effectively and courteously with people.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in wildlife ecology or a closely related area.
- Experience communicating orally and in writing with diverse audiences, including both lay and peer groups, sufficient to document and disseminate completed research results.
- Experience programming statistical analyses in R, MATLAB, or equivalent software environment.
- Knowledge of methods for estimating parameters of animal populations.
- Ability to summarize and analyze spatially explicit data using ArcGIS.
- Experience establishing productive collaborations with other researchers.
- Experience leading the work of others..
- Certified Wildlife Biologist® by The Wildlife Society.
Physical Requirements
- Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.
Additional Requirements
*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:
- Criminal history check
- Motor vehicle record
- Employment reference checks
- SEMA4 record check
Why Work For Us
The Department of Natural Resources is proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. This means that our employees are supportive of a diverse workplace, are respectful to one another and to our customers. We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency’s mission.
GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.
How to Apply
Applications must be routed through the MN Careers website (http://www.mn.gov/careers) under job posting ID 29423. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.
For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about the position, contact Dr. Danelle Larson at danelle.larson@state.mn.us or 218.308.2289.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the DNR’s Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: ADAdiversity.DNR@state.mn.us or by calling Sarah Spence-Koivisto at 651.259.5016; or using MN Relay 711.