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MBS Bee Survey Assistant-Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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MBS Bee Survey Assistant
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 84064
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Limited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 2/11/2025
  • Closing Date: 3/3/2025
  • 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
  • Salary Range: $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,988 - $73,977 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • End Date: 09/20/2025
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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

 

The duration of this position is May 12 – September 20, 2025.
This position will conduct surveys of wild bees and associated flowering plants in a variety of habitats throughout Minnesota as part of the Minnesota Biological Survey. 
Job duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Coordinate with survey lead to execute the objectives of wild bee projects.
  • Plan for and conduct field surveys of wild bees and associated flowering plants, using appropriate survey methods and recording data in field apps (approx. 70% of time). The individual will often work alone, in a variety of remote habitats, and under adverse weather conditions. Employee will be in travel status every other week. 
  • Prepare bee voucher specimens and associated data (approx. 30% of time). Specimens must meet museum standards for preparation and labeling. Specimen work will be conducted in St. Paul.
     

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in zoology, conservation biology, ecology or a related field with an emphasis on insects; OR 1 or more field seasons conducting wild bee surveys using aerial hand nets.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify bees by satisfactorily passing an identification exam of bees native to Minnesota.
  • Field experience identifying flowering plants found in the Midwest.
  • Experience creating spreadsheets, entering data, and producing maps using geospatial software (e.g., ArcMap).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in entomology or related field.
  • 12 months or more of work-related experience conducting wild bee surveys.
  • 2 or more field seasons identifying flowering plants visited by insect pollinators.
  • Preparation and labeling of 500 or more bee voucher specimens and identifying them to genus.

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 Gerda Nordquist at gerda.nordquist@state.mn.us or 651-259-5124.

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.

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
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 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.