Area Fisheries Specialist Intermediate - NR Spec Int Fisheries

Job Information Working Title: Area Fisheries Specialist - Intermediate Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Fisheries Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Job ID: 94742 Location: Windom, Minnesota Telework Eligible: No Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Temporary: Unlimited Work Shift: Day Shift Days of Work: Monday - Friday Travel Required: Yes Salary Range: $26.89 - 39.22 hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 annually Classified Status: Classified Bargaining Unit: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes 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 Division of Fish and Wildlife seeks a full‑time permanent Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Fisheries to serve in Windom, Minnesota. The position functions as an assistant to the Area Fisheries Supervisor to design, implement, and evaluate fisheries management activities in the Windom Fisheries Management Area—encompassing all of Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Martin, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, Watonwan, and the southern half of Lincoln and Lyon counties. Responsibilities Assist the Area Supervisor in direction, administration, and management functions, including acting as day‑to‑day lead worker and completing administrative tasks as needed. Design, implement and evaluate fisheries management plans and activities for all managed waters within the work area, and implement a lake and stream investigation program. Further implement fisheries management plan operational objectives through scheduling and coordination of fish production and distribution operations for walleye, muskellunge, trout, and panfish species. Participate in projects and work teams with regional and statewide significance, providing input and expertise to guide Section of Fisheries’ programs and decision‑making processes. Monitor, protect and enhance fish communities and aquatic habitat, including acquisition, protection, and restoration of habitats and conducting environmental reviews of public and private development. Develop and conduct public relations, information, and education programs to inform the public about fisheries operations and aquatic resource protection. Continuously increase knowledge of fisheries science and management techniques through technical and professional training, and serve on regional and statewide committees. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries, or closely related area (transcripts required). At least 4 courses in fisheries and aquatic sciences (12 semester or 18 quarter hours), with at least 2 directly related to fisheries science and at least 1 covering principles of fisheries science and management. Additional biological sciences courses totaling 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours. Physical sciences courses totaling 15 semester hours or 23 quarter hours. Mathematics and statistics courses totaling 6 semester hours or 9 quarter hours, with required college algebra and statistics courses. Communications courses totaling 9 semester hours or 13 quarter hours. Letter grades 'C-' or higher for all coursework. Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or Certified Fisheries Professional. Two (2) years of experience in fisheries management programs or fisheries research applying principles and techniques of fisheries science. One (1) year of such experience can be substituted by a Master’s degree or Ph.D. Ability to maintain and safely operate equipment including boats, motors, trailers, ATVs, UTVs, and small engines. Direct field experience working on lakes, reservoirs, rivers or streams, including fish sampling from a boat. Interpersonal skills to effectively interact with staff and a diverse customer base. Communication and writing skills to lead a fisheries survey team and prepare reports such as lake and creel surveys. Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather and environmental conditions on a frequent basis. Computer literacy, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, word processing, GIS, and GPS. Knowledge of fisheries sampling techniques, fisheries science applications, fish handling, and distribution. Preferred Qualifications Experience leading and organizing fisheries investigative studies, including creel surveys and fish tagging studies with database management. Experience organizing and leading fish management, fish propagation, and/or fish research programs. Experience safely operating a watercraft on large bodies of water or rivers. Public speaking experience and/or human dimensions coursework. Experience maintaining sampling gear. Experience analyzing data using software and fisheries survey analysis tools. Experience designing and maintaining databases. Familiarity with stream habitat and fish passage project techniques. Some familiarity with electric fish barrier and supporting components. Additional Requirements Unrestricted Class D driver’s license with a clear record. Must meet the physical requirements and work in environmental conditions with reasonable accommodations. Required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States upon hire. All hires will complete a background check, which may include conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education verification, employment reference/records check, and license/certification verification. Benefits 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 providing income after retirement (after working at least three years). Employer-paid life insurance. Short-term and long-term disability insurance. Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care. Resources that support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Equal Opportunity Employer Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment