Wildlife Roving Crew Technician - NR Tech (Wildlife)

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Wildlife

Working Title: Wildlife Roving Crew Technician

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/02/2021
• Closing Date: 10/22/2021
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife / Region 1 / Roving Crew
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift; 7:00 am - 5:30 pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
• Travel Required: Yes; Occasional overnight travel
• Salary Range: $20.09 - $28.30/hourly; $41,947 - $59,090/annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• AFSCME Work Area: Elbow Lake
• Work Location: Elbow Lake, MN
• Employment Condition: Unlimited, Full-Time
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota’s natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.

The DNR is currently seeking a Wildlife Roving Crew Technician in Elbow Lake, MN. This position is an integral part of the DNR Wildlife’s Roving Wildlife Habitat Crew. The primary duties of this position are to provide technical and labor support in developing and implementing wildlife habitat enhancement and restoration activities on public lands open to public hunting primarily with the west central portion of Minnesota and occasionally statewide.

The nature of the work may require a high degree of flexibility in hours and days worked on a seasonal basis. Extensive day and occasional overnight may be required. During the prescribed burn season, crew members will be conducting burns on a weather dependent basis, which means possible weekends and extended/long hours.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assuring responsibility for safety and accountability for safety performance so that employee will perform tasks according to established safety procedures and reduce injuries and equipment damages.

• Conducting prescribed burning preparation, planning, writing, and operations under the direction of the Roving Crew Supervisor or Rx Burn Boss on state or federal hunting lands in the region.

• Providing technical and logistical support and labor needed to conduct wetland and grassland habitat restoration and enhancement operations on state or federal hunting lands in the region.

• Coordinating with the Roving Crew Supervisor in the administration and operational responsibilities so that wildlife habitat management activities performed by the Roving Crew are smoothly and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, and legal mandates.

• Conducting regular and required maintenance on facilities, fleet, and specialized resource management power equipment as well as on hand tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.

• Keeping current in maintaining prescribed fire qualifications, pesticide, GIS, and equipment training as coordinated.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply. See the 'How to Apply' section below for additional application requirements.

• One (1) year experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire or wildfire suppression techniques and methods; construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
  • An associate degree from an accredited institution of higher learning in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or equivalent field with an emphasis in wildlife coursework may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment. Employees who are required to retain this license will be included in the DNR Drug and Alcohol Plan. This will require the employee to be pre-employment drug tested and be included in a random drug and alcohol testing program.
• Basic knowledge of botany, forestry, prairie, wetland and forest ecology, zoology, biology and soils, inventory and assessment, and ability to identify native and exotic species.
• Experience with wildland fire techniques and equipment including the incident command system, ignition and fire suppression techniques, fire behavior, pumps, and hand tools.
• Qualified as FFT1 (NWCG Fire Fighter Type 1).
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity test, moderate level (physical ability), as a condition of employment.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor, work in hot, smoky conditions, walk long distances carrying fire gear, and periodically work long days while performing prescribe burn operations.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to operate, transport, and repair common types of mechanical and vehicular equipment (vehicles, pumps, trailers, fire equipment, tillage, planting and harvesting equipment).
• Knowledge and skills in basic equipment maintenance and repair (saws, vehicles, ATV's, sprayers, seed drills, snowmobiles, tractors, skid steers, and combines).
• Experience using GPS and GIS.
• Working knowledge of computers, email, word processing, and spreadsheet software applications.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information, keep records, and write reports.
• Ability to communicate (written and oral) and interact positively while directing labor crews, or while associating with adjacent landowners, sportsmen, farmers, and the general public.

• Current possession of a valid Class A Driver’s License (CDL).
• Two (2) years or more experience performing similar work which will include working knowledge of habitat management techniques; prescribed fire or wildfire suppression techniques and methods; construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
• Experience in operating farm, construction, and other similar equipment, trucks, trailers, boats, and UTV/ATVs.
• Certificate for attending an S-212 class, Wildland Fire Chain Saws.
• Current Faller 2 or higher certification.
• Qualified as MFIRB or MFIRB trainee (Minnesota Firing Boss – Minnesota DNR standards) or MN Ignition Specialist.
• Qualified as any NWCG Single Resource Boss (ex: Firing Boss, Engine Boss, Crew Boss, Heavy Equipment, Felling, Helicopter).
• Qualified as NWCG ICT4 (Incident Commander Type 4) or higher.
• Qualified as MRXB3 (MN Burn Boss 3), MRXB2 (MN Burn Boss 2), RXB2 (NWCG Burn Boss 2), or higher.
• Current certified Pesticide applicator and experience.
• Working knowledge of soil types and their capabilities, wetland restoration techniques, weed control methods, and prairie reconstruction techniques.
• Working knowledge of computer programs such as ArcMap, Excel, Word, Adobe Pro, and photo editing software.

Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pound bags of seed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

This position requires an unrestricted Class A Driver's License with a clear driving record, in addition to passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program.

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:

• Employee Reference Checks

• SEMA4 Record Check

• Criminal History Check

• Education/License Verification

Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome, and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs, and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people.

We are proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. This means that our employees are respectful to one another and to our customers. We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency’s mission.

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

• Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

• Within your application, submit two (2) attachments. In the first attachment, include a copy of your resume which clearly demonstrates how you meet the qualifications. In the second attachment, include a single file that contains a copy of your qualification card (“red card”), Incident Qualification System (IQS) or Incident Qualification, and Certification System (IQCS) master report, or scans of all your fire training certificates and first two pages of task books (all contained in one file). Failure to do so may result in your application not being considered.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Matthew Mecklenburg at matt.mecklenburg@state.mn.us or 218-671-7071.

If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please submit your certificate to Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@state.mn.us by the job posting close date.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need.