NR Tech Parks & Trails

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Fergus Falls (MN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Long-term disability insurance

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Fergus Falls, MN, seeks a permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician for Parks and Trails. Responsibilities include leading field staff, developing work plans, and supporting land management and recreation programs across District 1.

The role requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL) or ability to obtain within six months, data analysis and GIS support capabilities, and strong public engagement and safety awareness. US work eligibility applies.

Qualifications

• Class A Driver's License (CDL) required; must pass pre-employment drug screen.
• Associate’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area.
• Two years experience as Laborer/Trades and Equipment, General Laborer, Building and Grounds Worker or similar work, including knowledge of construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the management and implementation of outdoor recreation programs in Parks and Trails District 1.
• Assist with the creation of work plans and act as the lead worker of field staff, seasonal staff, volunteers and/or crews and contractors.
• Implement operations and development, maintenance, rehabilitation programs.
• Analyze data, prepares reports, provide GIS support, and provide administrative support to the division.
• Implement visitor and public relations to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Enforce division rules and state laws, responds to emergencies, and implements resource management programs.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lead worker

Public contact experience

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Word processing

Spreadsheet skills

Communication skills

Operate tractors

Class A CDL

GIS knowledge

GPS knowledge

Education

Associate degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management

Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management

Tools

GPS software

GIS software

Heavy equipment operation

Job description

• Education Verification
• License / Certification Verification

The Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician Parks and Trails position, located at Fergus Falls, MN. Hours of work are generally Monday - Thursday from 7am-5:30pm.

This position exists to provide technical work in implementing programs, activities, policies and rules among Minnesota’s state parks and trails systems, including promoting effective land acquisition, land management and development and rehabilitation projects. Specifically, the person in this position acts as a lead worker to:

• Assist in the management and implementation of outdoor recreation programs in Parks and Trails District 1
• Assist with the creation of work plans and act as the lead worker of field staff, seasonal staff, green view staff, volunteers and/or crews and contractors.
• Implement operations and development, maintenance, rehabilitation programs.
• Analyze data, prepares reports, provide GIS support, and provide administrative support to the division.
• Implement visitor and public relations to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Enforce division rules and state laws, responds to emergencies, and implements resource management programs.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A license will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.

AND

• An Associate’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis, Recreation Resource Management, Environmental Studies.

OR

• Two years (24 months) experience as a Laborer Trades and Equipment, General Laborer, Building and Grounds Worker, Parks Worker or other classification performing similar work which will include working knowledge of construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.

Additional Requirements

• Work experience providing work direction to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups. TO RECEIVE CREDIT, APPLICANT RESUMES MUST REFLECT past experience with responsibilities for establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
• Public contact experience.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for park visitors.
• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to deal effectively with staff and park visitors when issues arise.
• Skill in word processing sufficient to create professional looking documents with proper grammar and punctuation and spreadsheet skills sufficient to track and report data.
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
• Ability to operate tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, chain saws, etc.
• Ability to acquire Advanced (FAL2) Chainsaw Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a Laborer Trade and Equipment, Laborer General or other classification performing similar work which will include working knowledge of construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis, Recreation Resource Management, Environmental Studies).
• Knowledge and experience of (or the ability to become proficient in) GPS and GIS in establishing locations, marking, tracking, creating databases and reporting.
• Equipment operation and routine maintenance experience (ex: changing tires; operating equipment; backing up large vehicles) on outdoor vehicles and equipment such as tractor loader, backhoe, one ton and larger trucks, pickups, OHV’s and riding mowers.
• Experience and skills assessing Area and State Park programs and facility condition.
• Experience providing direction to field staff, volunteers, or other supplemental work groups for work plans.
• Experience establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within the first six (6) months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and participate in the DNR ongoing random drug and alcohol testing program. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only individuals 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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jeff Fjestad at [e-mail] or 218-671-7964.

Per M.S. 43A.111, Department of Natural Resources may appoint qualified disabled Veterans to classified positions on a noncompetitive basis if eligibility requirements are met. To be considered, you must be included on a US Armed Forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30% or been rated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as having a compensable service-connected disability of at least 30%. Official written documentation of this disability dated no more than one year preceding the date of application must be submitted. Please email the documentation, your DD-214, and the job posting ID number to Claudia Marquez-Aguirre at [e-mail]. Documentation must be received by the posting closing date to be considered.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

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 Claudia Marquez-Aguirre at [e-mail].

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