Working Title: Brainerd Fisheries Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 94040
• Location: Brainerd
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/08/2026
• Closing Date: 05/28/2026
• 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
• Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.96 / hourly; $51,761 - $75,084 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 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: 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401

Job Summary

This position exists to assist with fisheries management activities in the Northeast Fisheries Region, which includes Aitkin, Crow Wing, lower Cass, Itasca, Koochiching, St. Louis, and Lake counties in northeastern Minnesota.  This position will primarily assist the Regional Aquatic Plant Management (APM) Specialist Sr. in duties related to preserving fish and wildlife habitat through the effective implementation of the APM program.  Additionally, this position will aid in planning, organization, direction, and evaluation of fisheries throughout the NE region at the direction of the Assistant Regional Fisheries Manager. 

NR Specialist Fisheries positions perform professional fisheries management work; implement a variety of professional and technical field management projects and activities; may function as project specialists on efforts devoted to fisheries management operations on a single major lake or river; or function as a technical specialist within a region.

Job responsibilities include design, implementation and supervision of projects as well as:

• Protect and improve fish and aquatic habitat in public waters so that aquatic resources are maintained or improved.
• Conduct APM site inspections at the direction of the APM Specialist Sr. to inform permitting decisions related to aquatic plant control.  
• Maintain and promote public relations so that various clienteles are informed of fisheries management programs and educated in aquatic resources issues.
• Assist with planning, implementation, and reporting of lake and stream investigations so scientific data is available for management purposes, to detect significant changes in the aquatic environment, and to evaluate management issues.
• Assist with planning and coordinating angler creel and recreational use surveys, compile and analyze results, and present data in written reports so that management decisions can be based on sound angler use and fish harvest data.
• Assist with fish propagation and distribution programs so that individual lake stocking objectives are met and healthy sport fisheries are maintained in public waters.
• Protect and improve fish and aquatic habitat in public waters so that aquatic resources are maintained or improved.
• Assist with special fish management projects so that angling opportunities are improved.
• Assist with the maintenance of equipment and facilities, ensure that proper record keeping procedures are followed, and perform project and personal administrative duties so that work can be accomplished with maximum efficiency.
• To be safe and accountable for safe performance of all tasks by following established safety procedures and training so injuries and equipment damage are reduced or minimized.

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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location or field sites on a regular basis for fieldwork, training, and meetings. Because this position supports regional fisheries management, the incumbent must be able to travel to a variety of field sites throughout the region for multiple days on an “as needed” basis.  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in biology, fisheries, fish and wildlife, or closely associated area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.

Transcript requirements:

• Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses. A minimum of 4 courses, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management.
• Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
• Physical sciences courses. Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours.
• Mathematics and statistics courses. Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1 statistics course or 2 statistics courses.
• Communications courses. Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college).

*To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be 'C-' or higher.
**Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries Professional will be accepted in lieu of the required coursework.

• Ability to maintain and safely operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, etc.
• A thorough knowledge of fish sampling equipment, techniques, and principles of Fisheries Management and Ecology.
• Writing skills sufficient to draft professional lake management plans, technical reports, letters, correspondence, etc.
• Communication skills sufficient to inform the public and provide general information on APM permitting requirements fishing seasons and regulations.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather and environmental conditions on a frequent basis.
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Preferred Qualifications

• One year directed field fisheries experience conducting fish habitat assessments resource surveys using standard sampling gear and methodology (gill nets, trap nets, electrofishing etc.).
• Knowledge and technical experience with fish habitat management and restoration including documenting habitat attributes, and identifying habitat enhancement opportunities
• Knowledge and technical experience with aquatic plant identification and plant surveys.
• Knowledge and experience in remote sensing applications, GPS equipment, and GIS applications.
• Communications, public relations and presentation skills sufficient to effectively present fisheries information including experience giving presentations to diverse groups of stakeholders, peers and youth groups.
• Knowledge and technical experience with fish culture, handling, transport, and stocking to sustain recreational fisheries, such as Walleye, Muskellunge and trout spawning, hatchery and pond production experience.
• Experience conducting lake and stream surveys, angler creel surveys or mark-recapture experiments other technical fisheries experience.

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. All job offers are contingent upon passing 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 David Weitzel at david.weitzel@state.mn.us or 218-328-8833.

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 Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@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