Scientific and Natural Areas Technician - NR Tech (Wildlife)
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Fergus Falls, MN, United States
Scientific and Natural Areas Technician
Location: Fergus Falls
Job ID: 93772
Classified Status: Classified
Pay range: $49,297 – $69,488 per year
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Day Shift). Telework not eligible.
Overview
The Natural Resources Technician Wildlife – Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Technician supports natural resource management on private and public lands administered by the SNA Unit, including Native Prairie Bank, Prairie Tax Exemption, dedicated SNA sites, and other selected lands.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support for restoration, maintenance, and enhancement activities on prairie, forest, and wetland communities.
Develop and maintain infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, signage, gates, fences, and operate equipment (ATVs, UTVs, tractors, trailers, pumps, chainsaws, brush saws, etc.).
Execute natural resource management tasks, including prescribed fire crew participation and other regional projects.
Supervise and coordinate other technicians, laborers, volunteers, and temporary crews on assigned projects.
Collaborate with staff to administer management records, ensuring compliance with plans, policies, and legal mandates.
Maintain electronic records of contracts, conservation partner projects, and site history; produce concise reports for tracking and budgeting.
Participate in employee training and safety programs to maintain competence in equipment use and field practices.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate degree in wildlife, natural resources, ecology, or related field, or one year of equivalent experience.
Working knowledge of habitat management, prescribed fire techniques, and operation of common natural resource equipment.
Class A – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Applicants without a valid CDl may acquire one within six months of hire as a condition of employment.
Successful completion of a moderate work capacity test within six months of hire and annually thereafter.
Knowledge of ecological principles, restoration, and prescribed burning sufficient to plan, recommend, and implement management actions.
Experience with prescribed burning or wildfire suppression.
Ability to recommend management plans, identify invasive species, and select appropriate control methods.
Familiarity with equipment such as chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, GPS, seeders, and chemical sprayers.
Ability to interpret aerial photos, create field maps, and maintain field notes.
Clear communication skills for planning, reports, and community engagement.
Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with diverse communities and within team settings.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies.
Experience planning and conducting prescribed burns.
Certified firing/burn boss.
Current Class A CDL.
GIS (ArcMap/ArcPro) proficiency for spatial analysis and map production.
Additional Requirements
Must pass a pre‑employment drug test and participate in the DNR random drug/alcohol testing program.
Must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license to operate agency equipment.
Must meet physical requirements; reasonable accommodations may be provided.
Background check required (Conflict of Interest, Criminal History, Education Verification, Employment Reference, License/Certification Verification).
Equal Opportunity Employer
Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action, and veteran‑friendly employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
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Location: Fergus Falls
Job ID: 93772
Classified Status: Classified
Pay range: $49,297 – $69,488 per year
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Day Shift). Telework not eligible.
Overview
The Natural Resources Technician Wildlife – Scientific and Natural Areas (SNA) Technician supports natural resource management on private and public lands administered by the SNA Unit, including Native Prairie Bank, Prairie Tax Exemption, dedicated SNA sites, and other selected lands.
Responsibilities
Provide technical support for restoration, maintenance, and enhancement activities on prairie, forest, and wetland communities.
Develop and maintain infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, signage, gates, fences, and operate equipment (ATVs, UTVs, tractors, trailers, pumps, chainsaws, brush saws, etc.).
Execute natural resource management tasks, including prescribed fire crew participation and other regional projects.
Supervise and coordinate other technicians, laborers, volunteers, and temporary crews on assigned projects.
Collaborate with staff to administer management records, ensuring compliance with plans, policies, and legal mandates.
Maintain electronic records of contracts, conservation partner projects, and site history; produce concise reports for tracking and budgeting.
Participate in employee training and safety programs to maintain competence in equipment use and field practices.
Minimum Qualifications
Associate degree in wildlife, natural resources, ecology, or related field, or one year of equivalent experience.
Working knowledge of habitat management, prescribed fire techniques, and operation of common natural resource equipment.
Class A – Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Applicants without a valid CDl may acquire one within six months of hire as a condition of employment.
Successful completion of a moderate work capacity test within six months of hire and annually thereafter.
Knowledge of ecological principles, restoration, and prescribed burning sufficient to plan, recommend, and implement management actions.
Experience with prescribed burning or wildfire suppression.
Ability to recommend management plans, identify invasive species, and select appropriate control methods.
Familiarity with equipment such as chainsaws, tractors, ATVs, GPS, seeders, and chemical sprayers.
Ability to interpret aerial photos, create field maps, and maintain field notes.
Clear communication skills for planning, reports, and community engagement.
Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with diverse communities and within team settings.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of land protection methods and conservation strategies.
Experience planning and conducting prescribed burns.
Certified firing/burn boss.
Current Class A CDL.
GIS (ArcMap/ArcPro) proficiency for spatial analysis and map production.
Additional Requirements
Must pass a pre‑employment drug test and participate in the DNR random drug/alcohol testing program.
Must be 18 years or older and have a valid driver’s license to operate agency equipment.
Must meet physical requirements; reasonable accommodations may be provided.
Background check required (Conflict of Interest, Criminal History, Education Verification, Employment Reference, License/Certification Verification).
Equal Opportunity Employer
Minnesota state agencies are equal‑opportunity, affirmative‑action, and veteran‑friendly employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
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