Working Title: Prairie Chicken Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 80570
• Location: Glyndon, MN
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/01/2024
• Closing Date: 10/21/2024
• 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, Occasionally
• Salary Range: $21.04 - $29.24 / hourly
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees/AFSCME
• Work Area: Buffalo River State Park, MN
• End Date: 08/12/2025
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

Job Summary

These positions are being filled simultaneously with Job ID 80346. Please note the expected duration of each job posting when submitting an application. If you would like to be considered for both appointment durations, please apply to both job postings.

The DNR is currently seeking to fill multiple full-time, temporary Natural Resources Technician positions anticipated to start on March 21, 2025, and end on August 12, 2025. These positions will be located and conduct work in, or near, Glyndon, Minnesota. Days and hours will vary, and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. These positions will support a study of prairie-chicken landscape use and hen, nest, and brood survival in Minnesota. The technicians will assist the Research Scientist 3 in conducting field work, capturing and handling prairie-chickens to attach transmitters, scouting for leks, constructing and setting live traps, monitoring hen and brood survival, collecting habitat data and biological samples, recording observational notes, entering and reviewing data, and maintaining data collection equipment. The positions will be based at Buffalo River State Park near Glyndon, MN, with travel to field sites.

Incumbent will be offered optional housing for a nominal cost at a college dormitory approximately 15 miles from the work location in Glyndon.

Responsibilities include:

• Collect observational data, capture animals, and obtain biological data and 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.
• Work outdoors in adverse winter weather and environmental conditions, as necessary.

This position requires the ability to hike uneven terrain through dense vegetation while carrying up to 20 pounds of equipment for long periods of time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to work safely in inclement weather, including under challenging weather conditions (cold, rain, snow), sometimes for long days.
• Ability to follow written protocols and collect biological data in wildlife field settings.
• Ability to navigate terrain over distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
• Ability to safely handle wild birds for marking purposes.
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively relay or receive technical information and record field data.
• Skill in use of standard software programs for word processing, creating/editing spreadsheets, and databases sufficient to accurately enter scientific data into data tablets, datasheets, and databases.
• Ability to work effectively and courteously with DNR staff and members of the public, including private landowners and hunters.
• Ability to drive 4WD trucks on minimally maintained roads that may be covered in snow and mud.
• Ability and willingness to work alone in the field, including in remote areas, and in the early morning or late evening hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor's degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
• Work experience safely handling prairie-chickens or other wild grouse.
• Work experience with radio-telemetry homing techniques.
• Work experience collecting vegetation/habitat data.
• Experience interacting with public land managers, private landowners, and the general public.
• Experience independently troubleshooting and resolving problems.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record.

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