Assistant Regional Wildlife Manager - State Prog Admin Manager

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; New Ulm (MN); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Pension plan

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking an Assistant Regional Wildlife Manager to lead wildlife programs across 32 counties in Region 4. The role will supervise five area wildlife supervisors and drive habitat restoration, management, and interdivisional collaboration.

The position requires a strong background in wildlife biology or related field, leadership experience, and knowledge of budgeting and policy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field.
• Three years of supervisory experience leading professional wildlife management work at an area level, or five years directing natural resources programs with lead worker experience.
• Working knowledge of wildlife management programs, policies and procedures and related laws.
• Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills to direct staff and build partnerships.
• Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve situations.
• Strong organizational and planning skills to oversee large projects.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Technical writing skills to prepare and edit technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Supervision: Supervises supervisors, professional, and technical staff in part of the Region.
• Administration: Direct, implement, and evaluate budgets and plans at the regional level.
• Resource Protection: Coordinate Wildlife programs, including land initiatives and habitat protection.
• Wildlife Habitat Management: Direct habitat restoration and monitoring programs in Region 4.
• Customer Service: Represent the region and engage with media, public inquiries, and stakeholders.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Planning skills

Organizational skills

Conflict management

Interpersonal skills

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology/Wildlife Ecology/Wildlife Management

Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology/Wildlife Ecology/Wildlife Management

Job description

Travel Required: Yes, intermittent

Working Title: Assistant Regional Wildlife Manager

Job Class: State Program Admin Manager

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 97527, Location: New Ulm, Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid, Full/Part Time: Full-Time, Regular/Temporary: Unlimited, Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers, Date Posted: 10/31/2026, Closing Date: 11/20/2026, Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources, Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife, Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift, Days of Work: Monday - Friday, Salary Range: $41.58 – $60.10 /hourly; $86,819 - $125,489 /annually, FLSA Status: Exempt, Classified Status: Classified, 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.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota’s natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.

This position exists to manage wildlife resources and habitats within the Prairie Parkland and Eastern Broadleaf ecological provinces on public and private lands covering 32 counties of Region 4 (Southern Region) for the long‑term benefit of the people of Minnesota.

This position will assist the Regional Wildlife Manager with the administration, development, coordination, integration and implementation of Section of Wildlife Programs and will supervise five (5) Area Wildlife Supervisors, lead and provide resources for restoration, enhancement and management activities covering 724 Wildlife Management Areas and 150 wildlife managed lakes and wetlands. The position will also serve as Acting Regional Wildlife Manager as assigned.

Responsibilities Include

• Supervision: Supervises supervisors, professional, and technical staff in part of the Region, including hiring, performance evaluation, training, work direction, and applying appropriate discipline.
• Administration: Direct, implement, and evaluate budgets and operational plans at the regional level in accordance with departmental, divisional, and regional goals.
• Resource Protection: Direct, administer, and promote the coordination and integration of Wildlife programs including basic law enforcement, environmental review, land acquisition, private land initiatives, and habitat protection, restoration, and enhancement for wildlife species.
• Wildlife Habitat Management: Direct and monitor environmental protection programs or prioritizing land acquisitions, recommending land exchanges, reviewing applications/permits, and collaborating on interdivisional projects, reporting violations, and testifying as an expert at hearings. Direct and monitor habitat restoration and enhancement programs in R4 working closely with area wildlife managers.
• Customer Service: Direct and monitor information and education efforts by serving as Wildlife Regional representative, accepting and soliciting interviews from the media, responding to public inquiries, monitoring subordinate's public responses, informing local legislators of projects, assisting Regional Manager with public input meetings for season setting, and collaborating on intra/inter-agency projects. Promote and establish community partnerships with citizens, private organizations, and other DNR disciplines to preserve, restore, and manage ecosystems.

Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job 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 position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part‑time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience planning, leading, and directing professional wildlife management work at an area level; or five (5) years of advanced professional experience directing natural resources management programs and demonstrated lead worker experience including planning, research and providing guidance to other professional wildlife staff.
• Working knowledge of wildlife management programs, policies and procedures and knowledge of rules and laws related to wildlife management protection programs to evaluate unit and program management.
• Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes sufficient to coordinate and articulate budget proposals, prioritize and manage budgets, administer grants and interpret budget reports.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff as well as develop and maintain interdisciplinary partnerships.
• Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.
• Strong organizational and planning skills sufficient to oversee large projects, prioritize, and make recommendations or decisions on the direction of a project.
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and management plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Management, or a closely related field.
• Supervisory experience planning, leading, and directing professional wildlife management work at an area level.
• Knowledge of DNR programs and areas of responsibilities in other divisions.
• Experience developing long‑range strategies and operational wildlife species and habitat management programs.
• Knowledge of statistical and biometrics analysis sufficient to plan, implement and evaluate wildlife population studies.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of land management areas such as acquisition, leasing, agreements, easements and land laws.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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 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., H-1B status).

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
• Education/license verification

Working together to improve the state we love.

• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.