MBS Vegetation Classification Coordinator - Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Job Details

Working Title: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Job Class: MBS Vegetation Classification Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 76645
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time; 80%
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 5/11/2024
• Closing Date: 6/3/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Ecological & Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, some statewide
• Salary Range: $30.55 - $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 - $94,001 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• End Date: 06/30/2027
• 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 will coordinate a 3-year grant-funded project to update the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Native Plant Community (NPC) Classification system through partnerships, field data collection, analysis, and product development as directed by the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) Program. The NPC Classification system is used throughout the state by DNR, external partners, students, researchers, teachers, and the public as the go-to reference on the State’s natural habitats and plant communities. The position is equal parts project manager, data analyst, field biologist, and product developer. Responsibilities include:

• Manage and coordinate a large complex project involving by multiple DNR Divisions and external government, NGO, and research partners.
• Project manager for the Native Plant Community Classification grant to produce and deliver updated classification products for the DNR Native Plant Community Classification v3.0.
• Organize, host, and lead collaborative meetings and events among team members.
• Solicit, manage, and respond to stakeholder comments and inputs.
• Create and manage large contracts to obtain field-based data.
• Form and manage internal and external project teams to help guide and deliver on the outcomes of the NPC grant.
• Identify relevant sources of data and guide data collection, iterative data analysis and review, and develop and review final products.
• Work with project teams to design field projects, develop methods, and set priorities.
• Work with project teams to complete targeted field work throughout the state for two field seasons to gather high priority vegetation plot and environmental data.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

This position will require statewide travel for fieldwork and partner events.

This position is currently funded for three years with an anticipated project end date of 6/30/2027.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Plant Ecology, Conservation Biology, Forestry, or closely related field.
• Three years professional experience conducting field-based plant community survey, monitoring, or research projects.
• Experience assembling, analyzing, and interpreting ecological plant species or community and associated environmental data.
• Three years of experience using the DNR native plant community classification system in professional contexts or for professional applications.
• Project management skills sufficient to manage complex efforts simultaneously, oversee contracts, and plan, track, and coordinate resources to ensure timely completion of projects.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills sufficient to translate highly technical information for a variety of audiences and stakeholder groups.
• Interpersonal skills to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders to accomplish common objectives.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite, data management, and desktop and in-field Geographic Information Systems (e.g. ArcMap).
• Experience working with diverse individuals and groups (e.g. community organizations, educators, universities, and state and local agencies).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Ecology, Botany, Conservation Biology, Forestry or closely related field.
• Five years professional experience conducting field-based plant community survey, monitoring, or research projects.
• Five years professional experience using and applying the DNR native plant community classification.
• Experience writing contract solicitations and technical specifications for ecological data collection.
• Knowledge of multi-variate statistical techniques (e.g., ordinations, indicator species analysis, cluster analysis).
• Experience creating large, technical products for publication (e.g., field guides).

Additional Requirements

*This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license 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 job information line 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.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.