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Cattail Project Technician-Natural Resources Tech

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Cattail Project Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 84367
  • Location: Fergus Falls
  • Telework Eligible: No
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Temporary
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 02/26/2025
  • Closing Date: 03/18/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Varies
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $21.04 - $29.24 / hourly; $43,931 - $61,053 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Insufficient Work Time/Unrepresented
  • End Date: 08/15/2025
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • 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 DNR is currently seeking to fill multiple temporary Natural Resources Technician positions. These positions exist to assist with a research project evaluating vegetative responses after cattails are treated in Minnesota wetlands. Cattails (Typha spp.) especially invasive species (T. angustifolia, T. x glauca) have dramatically increased in abundance in the Prairie Pothole Region since the mid-twentieth century. Invasive cattails form dense monotypic stands, displacing native aquatic plants and impacting fish, amphibians, and wetland birds via changing habitat structure and displacing food resources. A common management goal to benefit waterfowl is a 50:50 ratio of emergent vegetation to open water (“hemi-marsh”). The technician will assist the Research Scientist 2 and other project personnel in field and office work, particularly wetland vegetation surveys. The position will be based at the Fergus Falls Wildlife Office in Fergus Falls, MN with travel to field sites. The lead worker will be based in Bemidji. 

The anticipated dates for this temporary position are July 7th through August 15th, 2025.

This position requires regularly transporting articles up to 50 lbs. maximum and frequently moving objects such as heavy tools, backpacks, field equipment, and file boxes. This job requires moving to a significant degree on rough, unstable terrain for long hours, including hiking up to approximately 1 mile off-road to reach wetland study sites. It may involve maintaining a stationary position most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.  

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Knowledge of ecology and wildlife biology.
  • Knowledge of wetland habitats in Minnesota.
  • Ability to collect biological data in the field responsibly and safely, including under challenging weather conditions (cold, heat, rain), sometimes for long days. 
  • Ability and willingness to work in chest waders.
  • Knowledge of how to carefully and accurately enter scientific data into datasheets in the field and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets in the office.
  • Knowledge of safe operation of 4WD trucks and trailers, including on dirt roads and two-track trails, and of small boat operation (especially canoes and kayaks).
  • Knowledge of how to use atlases and navigation applications (e.g., Google Maps) to independently drive from the office to designated field sites.
  • Knowledge of how to use field maps/compasses and GPS units for field navigation while hiking to specific GPS Coordinates within study sites.
  • Knowledge of wetland vegetation (species-level identification) that occurs in seasonal prairie pothole wetlands.
  • Knowledge of using keys and field guides to identify wetland plants.
  • Willingness to work as part of a team or independently as necessary to complete required tasks.
  • Ability to maintain a flexible and positive attitude as methods are modified during the first field season of this research project.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
  • Experience in safely operating 4WD trucks and trailers, including on dirt roads and two track trails, and in safely operating small boats (especially canoes and kayaks).
  • Experience independently driving to field sites using atlases and navigation applications.
  • Experience using field maps/compasses and GPS units for field navigation while hiking to specific GPS coordinates within study sites.
  • Experience using a GPS unit to navigate through tall (overhead) vegetation to pre-established sample points in the field, and to use a compass to orient a quadrant in a designated direction from a sample point.
  • Experience identifying wetland vegetation of seasonal prairie pothole wetlands to the species level.
  • Experience using keys and field guides to identify wetland plants.
  • Experience carefully and accurately entering data into scientific datasheets in the field and Microsoft Excel datasheets in the office.
  • Experience with GIS software, especially ArcGIS.
  • Experience following vegetation data collection protocols such that data is collected using consistent methods across vegetation survey teams, including asking questions as needed.
  • Experience initiating communication with field crew members or field crew leaders to provide updates regarding field work progress, problems, and questions via telephone or text messaging. 

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. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). 

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 Davis at bruce.davis@state.mn.us or 218-308-2288.

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
  • 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.