Working Title: MN River Fisheries Specialist

　　Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Fisheries

　　Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

　　Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

　　Date Posted : 01/17/2024

　　Closing Date : 02/06/2024

　　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: $23.37 - $33.90 / hourly; $48,796 - $70,783 / annually

　　Classified Status : Unclassified

　　Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

　　Anticipated Start Date : 04/01/2024

　　End Date : 03/31/2025

　　Telework Eligible : Yes

　　Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No

　　Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

　　The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

　　This is a 1-year term position which exists to assist the Minnesota River Fisheries Specialist, Sr. with implementing a multi-objective project to enhance knowledge of fish ecology in the Minnesota River. Project objectives include: 1) evaluating seasonal trends of Bigmouth Buffalo, Emerald Shiner, Gizzard Shad, and Spotfin Shiner diets; 2) evaluating the status and distribution of understudied bottom-dwelling fishes with benthic trawl surveys; and 3) using acoustic telemetry to describe movement patterns and habitat use of Bigmouth Buffalo, Channel Catfish, and Walleye. This position will regularly lead fieldwork activities on the Minnesota River, manage large datasets, and write progress reports.

　　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:

　　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.

　　Maintain and promote public relations so that various clienteles are informed of fisheries management programs and educated in aquatic resources issues.

　　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.

　　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 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

　　Experience operating as a crew lead for natural resources field work.

　　At least one year directed fisheries experience conducting resource surveys and operating boats on rivers with fluctuating water levels and strong current.

　　Experience conducting special investigations such as fish diet studies and telemetry projects.

　　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 experience in remote sensing applications, GPS equipment, and GIS applications.

　　Experience in developing and managing large databases, conducting statistical analyses with programs such as Microsoft Excel and R, and writing scientific reports.

　　Additional Requirements

　　This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver‘s License with a clear driving record.

　　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.

　　Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

　　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

　　AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

　　Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

　　Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.