The DNR is currently seeking a statewide specialist on gamebird management, with an emphasis on management of wild turkey, pheasant, grouse species, and other resident gamebirds. This position exists to coordinate and administer the statewide resident gamebird program by formulating program goals, objectives, and strategies; monitoring statewide populations, harvest, and license data; administering and reporting on dedicated funds; developing regulations and legislative proposals; providing consultation and coordination to land and wildlife managers, tribal biologists, researchers, and enforcement officers; serving as a liaison with other agencies and groups; and providing information and education to the public.

Responsibilities include:

• Administer and recommend management, research, and policy direction for statewide resident gamebird programs so they meet legal requirements, plans are followed, and populations are managed at appropriate levels so that present and future gamebird management objectives are met.
• Administer the resident gamebird seasons and regulatory process so that seasons are supported by enforceable rules, are responsive to public preferences, and maintain populations at appropriate levels so that present and future gamebird management objectives are met.
• Coordinate upland gamebird program activities with the (1) wildlife research unit to ensure that research priorities are identified and projects to address information needs are supported; (2) field, operations, and forest policy units to ensure that gamebird habitat management policies and priorities are identified and inform Division and Departmental decisions and management activities; and (3) other relevant Division programs (e.g., Outreach and Planning) to support information-sharing and engagement with stakeholders and promote the relevance of gamebird management activities to the public at large.
• Direct fiscal and other administrative activities in the resident gamebird program so that Section priority management work is completed as planned/designed and according to desired time schedules.

St. Paul, Minnesota is the preferred work location; however, the specific location may be negotiable and will be agreed upon at time of selection. 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 on a regular basis consistent with the telework agreement, and to the primary work location and various sites throughout the state on an occasional basis for meetings with colleagues and partners, public engagement events, and special projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, or closely related field.
• Four (4) years of professional experience in assessing biological or human dimensions data to coordinate and/or develop recommendations for wildlife population management, or closely related ecological and natural resource management experience.
• A Master's degree in ecology, natural resources, wildlife science/ management, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Technical knowledge of upland gamebird and other wildlife species identification, habitat relationships, food habits, animal behavior, life histories, reproductive potential, population monitoring techniques, and hunting season management.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in long-range and strategic planning; policy and budget development; project management; integrating biological and social information; and legislative/regulatory processes.
• Interpersonal, communication, and human relations skills sufficient to convey complex information to technical and non-technical audiences via verbal and written methods; navigate and resolve conflict; achieve cooperation with the public, peers, and staff; and to make progress on program objectives.
• Analytical skills sufficient to plan for and manage data collection, interpret data and basic statistical information, and present data effectively.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in ecology, natural resources, wildlife science/ management, or closely related field.
• Experience in collecting and assessing biological data to develop management and/or regulatory recommendations for animal populations.
• Experience coordinating projects with regulatory agencies or multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience drafting policy recommendations for regulatory use.
• Experience with media interviews; public, staff, and legislative presentations; and communicating with public about controversial topics.
• Experience in natural resource management working with diverse interest groups and conflicting objectives and/or incorporating traditional ecological knowledge or community-based knowledge.

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