Working Title: Lake Habitat Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 87709
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/21/2026
• Closing Date: 02/10/2026
• 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: $38.16 - $54.97 / hourly; $79,678 - $114,777 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

All potential report to work locations include St. Paul, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, New Ulm, Glenwood, Fergus Falls or Brainerd.

Job Summary

This position exists to provide leadership and supervision of habitat staff, and to coordinate and administer the Section’s statewide lake habitat improvement and protection programs by formulating program goals, objectives, and strategies. This position provides statewide direction and technical expertise to the review and selection process for funding projects, to the development of consistent standards that protect public waters, implementation of lake habitat projects, providing expertise and advice to Section staff on broad environmental issues affecting lake habitat; in administering and reporting on dedicated and federal funds; in developing legislative proposals; serves as a liaison with other agencies and groups; provides oversight and guidance of management issues on Aquatic Management Areas; and provides information and education to the public.

Primary responsibilities include:

• To direct and coordinate the Section’s statewide lake habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement programs so that projects are completed in an efficient and biologically sound manner that follow statewide rules and statutes.
• Perform supervisory, fiscal, and administrative functions so that lake habitat staff are highly motivated and skilled, and program objectives are met.
• To direct and coordinate land management and habitat enhancement projects on Aquatic Management Areas and other fisheries owned lands so that project goals and objectives are met, and procedures follow designated guidelines of LSOHC and other funding sources.
• To stay informed of current advances in fisheries science through training and professional information exchange and interaction.

This position's preferred location may be Central Office (St. Paul), Bemidji, Grand Rapids, New Ulm, Glenwood, Fergus Falls or Brainerd fisheries office. Final determination of location will be based on the candidate’s preference and space availability. 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 may require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area required.
• Four years of professional level experience in the areas of fisheries biology and management including knowledge of fish population dynamics, fish pathology, aquatic biology and ecology, ichthyology, limnology, statistics, stream morphology, and stream habitat development techniques applied nationally and internationally so that direction can be given to statewide stream habitat, and trout and salmon management projects.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data so that technical assistance can be given in project planning, completion, and documentation, so that project goals and objectives are met and work completed within established funding guidelines.
• Proficiency in communication, project coordination, collaboration, and problem-solving skills to effectively work with diverse interests and foster relationships to accomplish common conservation objectives.
• Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance and training, resolve conflict in a positive manner, generate public support, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, public, and staff.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives that equitably empower employees, diverse community groups, stakeholders, and the public.
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets and word processing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Fisheries Management, Limnology, Aquatic Biology, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of the state legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Familiarity with Legacy Amendment, and Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council proposal process and guidelines.
• Experience managing LSOHC appropriations.
• Familiarity with conservation easement stewardship.
• Exceptional human relations skills are necessary to effectively deal with a wide range of controversial and non-controversial issues involving watershed districts, local government units, and the public.
• Ability and skill to integrate high level of technical knowledge with sociological, political, and economic concerns; and in the context, communicate technical decisions and recommendations to peers, department managers, legislators, and the public.
• Strong background in watershed principles and stream fluvial geomorphology as related to ecology and stream health.
• A working knowledge of geology, hydrology, and agriculture, along with an understanding of the comprehensive and holistic inter-relationships which these subjects possess.

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 

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.

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.