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Lake Superior and St. Louis River Team Supervisor

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Lake Superior and St. Louis River Team Supervisor
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Supervisor Senior - Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 86416
  • Location: Duluth
  • Telework Eligible: Yes - Up to 50% per month
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 05/24/2025
  • Closing Date: 06/16/2025
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
  • Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes - Site visits, occasional overnight stays for meetings
  • Salary Range: $38.96 - $56.10 / hourly; $81,348 - $117,136 / 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

 

The Division of Ecological and Water, Resources is seeking to hire a full-time permanent Lake Superior and St. Louis River Team Supervisor located in Duluth. This position provides leadership, guidance strategic direction, management, and supervision for department efforts related to the St. Louis River Restoration Initiative (SLRRI), St. Louis River Area of Concern (SLR AOC), the Lake Superior Lake wide Action Management Plan (LAMP), Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), and integrates work across divisions and agencies at local, State, Tribal and Federal levels. This position analyzes federal guidance and policies, synthesizes and communicates federal direction to Minnesota partners, leads the creation of strategies and comprehensive proposals, negotiates funding agreements for those strategies, and manages stakeholder involvement and expectations. The position also represents Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) on multi-agency initiatives that currently exist within the SLR AOC by leading and participating in the multi-partner initiatives required to delist the AOC.

Responsibilities: 

  • Manage DNR engagement with key Great Lakes protection and restoration initiatives including the Lake Superior Lake wide Action Management Plan, St. Louis River Area of Concern, Natural Resource Damage Assessment, and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
  • Provide program management, work tasks, staff supervision, and strategic leadership for staff focused on Lake Superior LAMP, SLRRI, and AOC de-listing efforts.
  • Provide leadership and management for the implementation of Great Lakes restoration and protection projects funded by State and Federal grants as part of the St. Louis River AOC Implementation Framework (Remedial Action Plan Update), Lake Superior LAMP, and GLRI.
  • Assist with the completion of appropriate MDNR ecological management activities within the Great Lakes Basin as assigned.

Assist with the completion of appropriate MDNR ecological management activities within the Great Lakes Basin as assigned.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, such as Ecology, Conservation Biology, Plant Ecology, Wildlife Ecology, Fisheries Science, Limnology, Aquatic Biology, Landscape Ecology, or other closely related field.
  • Four years of professional experience with conservation planning and management for ecosystems, rare and vulnerable plants and animals, forest systems, wetlands, aquatic habitat restoration and/or native plant communities represent a major component of the work responsibilities. This includes efforts to develop and implement conservation strategies, evaluate results, and/or develop new conservation tools. *An advanced degree in one of the fields listed above may substitute for one year of experience.*
  • Experience with financial management, including securing funding, budgeting, contracting, grant administration, spending plan development, and purchasing.
  • Experience with stakeholder engagement and outreach efforts to promote the conservation of natural resources to diverse audiences and build informed consent.
  • Experience as a lead worker and/or supervisor.
  • Knowledge of laws, rules, policies, procedures, and management guidelines associated with the conservation of rare plants, animals, wetlands and native plant communities with a proficiency to work in regulatory arenas to inform recommendations and decisions for these rare resources. 
  • Strong organizational and planning skills sufficient to develop and implement complex budgets; long-range strategic and operational plans; and annual work plans.
  • Possess strong project and time management skills sufficient to prioritize multiple assignments, manage complex efforts simultaneously, and ensure timely completion of projects. 
  • Communication skills sufficient to effectively convey complex information in varied settings to a wide range of audiences, including a facility for public speaking.
  • Possess strong cultural competencies and human relation skills to motivate, provide guidance and training, manage conflict in a positive manner, generate public support, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, public, and staff.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills to work collaboratively with diverse interests, build constructive teams, cultivate and maintain strong relationships, and effectively bring together diverse interests to accomplish common conservation objectives.
  • Proficiency in use of personal computers, particularly word processing, spreadsheets, and database skills. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in natural sciences, such as Ecology, Conservation Biology, Plant Ecology, Wildlife Ecology, Fisheries Science, Limnology, Aquatic Biology, Landscape Ecology, or other closely related field.
  • Experience or training in negotiating controversial Natural Resources issues focused on rare plants, animals, wetlands, forest systems, and/or native plant communities.
  • Experience working with federal, state, and/or local governments including the development of legislative reports, rules, fact sheets, findings of fact, and/or testimony.
  • Knowledge of State of Minnesota policies, and applicable state and federal regulations related to the management and conservation of rare animals and plants, wetlands and native plant communities. 
  • Knowledge of human resources policies, procedures, and bargaining unit agreements sufficient to resolve personnel problems, create and fill positions, reward and discipline employees, and assign, schedule, and direct work. 

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 Darrell Schindler at darrell.schindler@state.mn.us or 218-328-8822.

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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@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.