Working Title: Conservation Easement Monitoring Specialist
Job Class: NR Spec Int Eco Svcs
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97729
• Location: Duluth French River Office
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/16/2026
• Closing Date: 11/5/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 50%
• Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit: 214- MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt-Professional
• 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.

Location: 5351 North Shore Dr., Duluth, MN 55804

Job Summary

The DNR is currently seeking (1) Conservation Easement Monitoring Specialist in our Duluth French River Office. This position conducts and coordinates conservation easement monitoring and reporting for the MNDNR Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Primary duties include conducting baseline and monitoring surveys on conservation easements, communicating with landowners, preparing reports, and coordinating report approvals. Monitoring visits are conducted to evaluate compliance with easement terms and to assess ecological condition, including but not limited to identifying invasive species, assessing need for riparian vegetation management, erosion control, and stream channel or bank stabilization. Assessment data are analyzed to develop management guidance for habitat enhancement or restoration. 

Responsibilities Include:

• Monitor conservation easements held by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, including planning and scheduling baseline reporting and monitoring, preparing maps, and conducting field visits to ensure compliance with conservation easements.
• Analyze ecological data to prioritize parcels for acquisition and coordinate with FAW land acquisition unit to acquire new conservation easements. 
• Attend meetings of stewardship and enforcement working groups; providing input to increase efficiency and consistency and maintain/improve landowner relations.
• Conduct habitat assessments on easements during routine inspections. Communicating relevant information to Area office so that it can inform management guidance for habitat improvement projects. 
• Assess management issues within easement corridors, including identification of invasive species, needs for vegetation management, and needs related to stream geomorphology, channel stability, streambank erosion, and connectivity. 

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or closely related field
• And;Two years' professional level experience sufficient to coordinate and monitor fish or wildlife population surveys, public land stewardship surveys, make habitat management recommendations, and identify sensitive land parcels for acquisition
• Experience in GIS and mapping
• Ability to identify invasive aquatic and terrestrial plant species
• Communication skills sufficient to share technical and non-technical information to a variety of audiences
• Computer skills sufficient to prepare reports, correspondence, and complete data entry
• Conflict management skills sufficient to resolve controversial situations
• Ability to safely work in remote areas in adverse weather and environmental conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or closely related field
• Experience with the Conservation Easement Monitoring System Database
• Knowledge of Real Estate transactions and the Land Records System
• Experience conducting habitat assessments and habitat management of Minnesota trout streams
• Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Sar of the North Fellowship program

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

Application Details

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Dean Paron at Dean.Paron@state.mn.us or 651-259-5205

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Sarah Neisen at Sarah.Neisen@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? 

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits 

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include: 

• Paid vacation and sick leave 
• 12 paid holidays each year 
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans 
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children 
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care 
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS 

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.

How to Apply:

Go to: http://www.mn.gov/careers

 Select: ‘Search for Jobs’ (header at top of page)

 Select ‘search for jobs now’ (green box under ‘External Applicants’)

 Type in the Job Title or Job ID number