Natural Resources Technician

Sowela; New Ulm (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability

Tax-free expense accounts for health,\

Training and development resources

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician in New Ulm, MN. Typical hours are Monday–Thursday, 7:00am–5:30pm, with outdoor duties in all weather conditions.

The role supports conservation managers by implementing habitat work, conducting prescribed burns, operating heavy equipment, and mentoring field crews. A valid driver’s license and physical fitness to meet program requirements are essential.

Qualifications

• Direct work activities to staff, volunteers or other groups.
• Transport and operate heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Safely operate chainsaw/brush saws, pumps, sprayers, UHV's, ATV's power tools, and other equipment.
• Apply herbicides pesticides.
• Identify Minnesota flora and manage native and invasive plant species.
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
• Become certified as chainsaw Faller 3.

Responsibilities

• Implement resource management activities to protect and improve wetland, grassland, and forest resources in accordance with division policy and procedure.
• Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
• Conduct prescribed burns and / or responds to wildfires and incidents as assigned.
• Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
• Inventories and surveys plant and animal species to better evaluate community diversity/abundance.
• Assist program staff with mentoring and training of field crews in plant identification, chainsaw safety, herbicide best management practices, and prescribed fire.

Skills

Directing work

Heavy equipment operation

Chainsaw operation

Herbicide application

Plant identification

Safety training

Tools

Tractors

Mowers

ATV/UTV

Chainsaws

Pumps

Sprayers

Job description

Natural Resources Technician Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96947
• Location: New Ulm
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/23/2026
• Closing Date: 09/29/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 4
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 7:00am to 5:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $21.73 - $30.20 / hourly; $45,372 - $63,057 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: New Ulm Region
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician position located in New Ulm, Minnesota. Days of work are Monday through Thursday, hours of work are 7:00am - 5:30pm.

This position exists to provide technical assistance to DNR Parks and Trails professional conservation resource managers such as District Resource Specialist (NR Park Specialist Senior-Resource Management), Regional Resource Supervisor (NR Supervisor-Ecological Services) and DNR Parks and Trails paraprofessional resource managers (NR Technician-Wildlife). This position assists in implementing and directing the natural habitat & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails in the Southern region of Minnesota. These tasks involve physical labor such as digging, lifting, shoveling, hauling, carrying, bending, pushing, and climbing. Most of the work will be performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Participation in prescribed fire/wild land fire is required. Herbicides and chainsaw use is required.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Implement resource management activities to protect and improve wetland, grassland, and forest resources in accordance with division policy and procedure.
• Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
• Conduct prescribed burns and / or responds to wildfires and incidents as assigned.
• Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
• Inventories and surveys plant and animal species to better evaluate community diversity/abundance.
• Assists program staff with mentoring and training of field crews in plant identification, chainsaw safety, herbicide best management practices, and prescribed fire.

This job requires the ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis. The test consists of walking 2 miles with a 25-pound pack within 30 minutes.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to direct work activities to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups.
• Ability to transport and operate heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaw / brush saws, pumps, sprayers, UHV's, ATV's power tools, and other equipment.
• Ability to apply herbicides pesticides
• Ability to identify Minnesota flora and manage native and invasive plant species.
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
• Ability to become certified as chainsaw Faller 3.

Preferred Qualifications

• One Year (12 months) experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
• One year (12 months) experience operating and maintaining small power tools, hand tools, bush saws, trucks, UTV's and ATV's.
• Experience transporting and operating heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
• Advanced experience in safe and efficient operation of chainsaws saws (S-212 or equivalent training).
• Certification as Faller 2 level or higher.
• Experience conducting prescribed burns.
• Current certification as a Basic Firefighter - FFT2 or above.

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 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

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.