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Restoration Evaluation Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Restoration Evaluation Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 84931
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Limited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 3/20/2025
  • Closing Date: 4/09/2025
  • 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
  • Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • End Date: 01/01/2028
  • 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

 

This position exists to support the development and implementation of the Restoration Evaluation Program and enable the effective administration of this interagency program in close collaboration with the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The Evaluation Program manages an independent third-party review of Legacy-funded restoration and enhancement projects across Minnesota to assess the application of current science and promote continuous improvement in practices. This effort is intended to support project partners in maximizing the impact of Minnesotan’s investment in restoration. Duties include a wide range of field and office tasks, as well as coordinating work with multiple state agencies, local government partners and contractors. This position provides leadership in some areas and assists with collaborative projects and provides recommendations for others.
Job responsibilities include:

  • Support the effective administration of a program to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration and enhancement projects by leading on selected program tasks and assisting with other tasks.
  • Lead the effort to develop and maintain program materials that document and inform the work of the Restoration Evaluation Program.
  • Lead the site assessment for selected restoration projects and coordinate and compile results from all site assessments.
  • Assist with the development of work agreements and the selection of site assessors.
  • Assist and support expert panel review of evaluated restoration projects by managing and delivering evaluation data to the evaluation panel and organizing and summarizing the work of the evaluation panel.
  • Communicate restoration evaluation outcomes and connect this effort with similar initiatives focused on restoration activities. This includes leading and collaborating in the planning of webinars, conference organization, special sessions, and podcasts.
  • Maintain appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of methods related to restoration and restoration evaluations.
  • Contribute to coordination within DNR as well as coordination with BWSR to successfully implement restoration evaluations and meet the statutory requirements of the program.

This position will require occasional travel in state to field sites including approximately 3-4 overnights per field season. This position may be eligible to telework on a full or 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 biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.
  • Two years professional experience with designing and implementing habitat management actions or conducting biological assessments of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. An advanced degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.
  • Knowledge and technical skills related to assessment of ecological, habitat and/or water resource restoration practices.
  • Experience assembling, managing, analyzing, and interpreting data and conveying information on restorations and cause-and-effect relationships.
  • Excellent written and communications skills to translate highly technical information into public-facing documents and presentations that are understandable, accessible, and audience-specific.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to produce and maintain word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. 
  • Interpersonal skills to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Project management skills sufficient to plan, coordinate, and evaluate complex programs or projects.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three years professional experience with designing and implementing habitat management actions or conducting biological assessments of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems.
  • An advanced degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.
  • Experience working for or with local government units (LGUs) managing and implementing restoration and conservation projects.
  • Planning and facilitation skills sufficient to coordinate and facilitate project team meetings.
  • Experience conducting field surveys of plants or animals, including identifying terrestrial plants.

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 Jonathan Hansen at jon.hansen@state.mn.us or 651-259-5155.

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.