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Animal Survey Supervisor-Natural Resources Program Supervisor Intermediate-Ecological Resources

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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MBS Animal Survey Supervisor
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Supervisor Intermediate-Ecological Resources
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 88377
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 8/28/2025
  • Closing Date: 9/17/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, occasional statewide
  • Salary Range: $36.10 - $52.26 / hourly; $75,376 - $109,118 / 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.

Job Summary

 

This position develops and implements a statewide program to survey, monitor and research the native and rare animal species of Minnesota as part of the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS). The position manages budgets, projects, work plans, raises funds (e.g., State Wildlife Action grants), and supervises a staff of about 12 professional vertebrate and invertebrate zoologists, data specialists, temporary employees and contractors working across the state. This position works closely with the staff and the program supervisor to collect, utilize, and interpret information on Minnesota’s fauna and their habitats such that it is available to stakeholders within and outside the department for biodiversity conservation, management, and policy development.

Responsibilities include:

  • Develop and maintain a plan for statewide animal survey, monitoring and research as part of the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) Unit.
  • Prepare annual spending plans and annual/biennial budgets from state and federal sources that are consistent with overall strategic goals of the program; help to identify funding opportunities from internal and external sources so that MBS Animal projects are adequately funded to achieve stated priorities, objectives and directives.
  • Perform supervisory functions so that MBS Zoology staff are supported such that survey, monitoring and research activities are implemented efficiently and effectively and integrated fully with the overall goals of the Minnesota Biological Survey.
  • Implement, oversee, and participate in MBS Animal field surveys, monitoring and research statewide.
  • As part of a collaborative team, provide direction on the development of information systems and oversee the compilation, management and analysis of MBS data related to animals their habitats.
  • Provide technical expertise through written reports, oral presentations, published documents, field workshops and participation on teams.
  • Develop policy recommendations and negotiate outcomes through interdisciplinary group participation.
  • Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, productive and inclusive work environment for all employees.

This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in zoology, ecology, biology, conservation biology or related field.
  • Four years of professional level experience designing, implementing, and participating in biological field surveys, monitoring or research, projects related to native or rare animal species, their habitats, or relevant management activities. 
  • Professional experience in directing staff or members of a team, using skills such as coaching, meeting facilitation, conflict resolution, effective listening, and negotiation.
  • Administrative and budgetary skills sufficient to review, analyze and monitor project budgets in compliance with statute and departmental policy.
  • Project management and time management skills sufficient to prioritize multiple assignments, manage complex efforts simultaneously, and ensure timely completion of projects.
  • Demonstrated experience assembling, analyzing, and interpreting zoological data in formats such as GIS, GPS, data collection apps, spreadsheets, and relational databases.
  • Organizational, leadership, and planning skills sufficient to develop and implement long-range operational plans and short-range work plans simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated written and communications skills sufficient to translate highly technical information into public-facing documents and presentations that are understandable, accessible, and audience-specific.
  • Demonstrated collaborative skills sufficient to effectively work within an organization and with other organizations and individuals.
  • Human relations and coaching skills sufficient to motivate, guide, train, resolve conflicts, build consensus, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, direct reports and program staff.
  • Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.

Preferred Qualifications

  • An advanced degree in zoology, ecology, biology, conservation biology or related field.
  • Professional experience with zoological study design, data analysis, and/or statistics.
  • Experience in fund-raising and/or legislative processes.
  • Experience with direct supervision of staff.
  • Experience with program or higher-level budget management.

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.

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

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. 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 Bruce Carlson at bruce.carlson@state.mn.us or 651-259-5083.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us.

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 Lucas Schulze at lucas.schulze@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.