NR Tech Fisheries

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Fisheries

Working Title: Fisheries Technician

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/27/2022
• Closing Date: 06/16/2022
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $20.59 - $29.01/hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: International Falls
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes

This is a full-time seasonal position. Anticipated season dates are April 1 through December 30.

This position exists to implement a fisheries management program based on sound scientific techniques, accepted management policies, and approved work plans in the International Falls Fisheries Management Area. The management area encompasses Koochiching County and northern St. Louis County and includes 133 lakes, 105 streams and 13 designated trout streams.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Complete inventories of aquatic resources, assess aquatic habitat, resource exploitation, and complete stream and lake surveys as described in annual stream and lake survey proposals and the Section of Fisheries survey protocol manuals; so that accurate data is collected and available for development of sound management plans by the area management team.
• Conduct various phases of egg take, hatchery and production, and stocking operations for multiple species, according to the area and statewide management plans; so that the optimum quality and quantity of eggs and fry are available from appropriate genetic conservation units, to fulfill area, regional and statewide management plan goals and objectives and so that stocked fish provide maximum benefit to the resource in an efficient and effective manner.
• To initiate and maintain good public relations and effectively communicate and apprise clientele of current operations, management practices, Division and Department policies, and general information, with the goal of a well-educated and informed public.
• To collaborate in the proper operation, maintenance and repair of field equipment, shop tools and equipment, fleet vehicles, area headquarters building and grounds and Fisheries owned/operated structures and properties; so that management objectives can be carried out with optimum safety, efficiency and effectiveness.
• To assist in various phases of Fisheries lake and stream habitat development and habitat maintenance projects according to area and statewide management plans.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree or equivalent in natural resources management or closely related study.

Working knowledge with principles, practices, and techniques relating to aquatic biology, limnology, and fish and plant taxonomy.

Basic understanding of water chemistry.

Experience with and ability to use standard laboratory and field water quality equipment.

Working knowledge of fish propagation, fish collection and transportation, fish identification, and identification of common indigenous and exotic plant species (aquatic and terrestrial).

Ability to identify native and invasive aquatic plants.

Basic computer proficiency including experience using Windows and Microsoft Office software sufficient to enter field data.

Interpersonal skills to work effectively on teams; listen; understand and carry out oral and written directions; and provide customers with general information on fishing seasons, regulations, and resource management policies.

Oral communication skills sufficient to inform public and provide general information on fishing seasons and regulations, fish management and hatchery activities.

Ability to operate and perform routine maintenance on ATVs, boats, outboard motors, snowmobiles, trailers, etc.

Ability to perform routine plumbing, net repair, and minor construction and welding.

Ability to work outdoors in all seasons and during inclement weather conditions.

Ability to read basic maps and use Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Sciences, Natural Resources Management or equivalent field with an emphasis in fisheries coursework.

One year technical or para-professional level experience supporting natural resource management and development activities.

Ability to repair trap nets, net leads, gillnets, dip nets, cribs, and fish collection traps.

Working knowledge of Fisheries Management laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Working knowledge and experience with fish sampling gear and standardized survey methodologies.

Working knowledge of aquatic plant management rules and plant control methods.

One year experience in fish hatchery operations, fish handling and transport, and aquaculture techniques.

Ability to read topographic maps, to record and retrieve spatial data, and a working knowledge of using section, township, and range and portable GPS equipment.

Ability to work independently without direct supervision

Ability and experience operating and maintaining equipment and tools including but not limited to: outboard motors, boats, vehicles, trailers, fish distribution equipment, pumping equipment, oxygen and pH meters, conductivity meters, chainsaws, hand tools and power tools, electrofishing equipment, plumbing and basic electrical skills and knowledge.

Safety training and certification in adult CPR, 1st Aid, Watercraft Operation, and Defensive Driving.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting a maximum of 100 pounds (i.e., work on a 2-person crew lifting nets into boats) and frequently lifting and/or carrying heavy objects of 50-pounds (i.e., such as buckets of water, heavy tools and file boxes).

This job also may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. This job will require strenuous manual labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, crawling, bending, pushing, pulling and climbing.

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:

Why Work For Us

Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people.

We are also proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. This means that our employees are supportive of a diverse workplace, are respectful to one another and to our customers. We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency’s mission.

GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

Our differences make us stronger and leveraging them helps us create a workforce where everyone can thrive. The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at our workplace. We do this by developing strong leaders and advocates, increasing cultural competence and understanding among all employees, and removing institutional barriers and attitudes that prevent employees from advancing as far as their talents will take them. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, familial status, receipt of public assistance, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or age.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page and submit an application/resume that clearly describes how you meet the qualifications listed above. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please submit your certificate to Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@state.mn.us by the job posting close date.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Kevin Peterson at kevin.peterson@state.mn.us or 218/286-5220.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. Please indicate what assistance you need.