Temporary Elk Technician – Natural Resources Technician

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Middle River (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Field housing available

Job summary

Two full-time, temporary Elk Technician positions at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will support a study of elk life history, including adult and calf survival and habitat use. The team will conduct field work, capture elk to attach GPS collars, and collect habitat data at Thief Lake WMA with travel to Grygla, Karlstad, and Canadian sites.

Work shifts vary, including early mornings and evenings, and field housing is provided at no cost.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and collect biological data in wildlife field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to move over uneven terrain for long distances using maps and GPS units.
• Ability to safely handle wild elk for biological sample collection and GPS collaring purposes.
• Knowledge of common vegetation and habitat sampling techniques.
• Communication skills sufficient to relay or receive technical information and record field data.
• Skill in standard software office programs for creating/editing documents, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Ability to drive 4WD trucks on snow/mud roads and operate snowmobiles/ATVs.

Responsibilities

• Capture adult elk and collect biological and observational data in the field.
• Enter data into datasheets, tablets, and databases for analysis.
• Maintain field equipment and assist with helicopter capture operations as needed.

Skills

Biology data collection

GPS navigation

Field safety

Communication

Data entry

Driving 4WD

Snowmobiles & ATVs

Education

Bachelor's degree in wildlife/ecology/natural resources

Tools

GPS units

Maps

Field data tablets

Datasheets

Job description

Working Title :Elk Technician Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96577
• Location: Middle River
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 8/26/2026
• Closing Date: 9/15/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $21.73 - $30.20 hourly; $45,372 - $63,058 annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 218 - Non-represented Employees Compensation Plan
• Work Area: Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area
• Anticipated Start Date: 12/14/2026
• End Date: 02/12/2027
• 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.

The DNR is currently seeking to fill two (2) full-time, temporary Natural Resources Technician positions anticipated to start December 14, 2026, and ending in February 2027. The work schedule (days and hours) will vary and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. These positions will support a study of elk life history, including adult and calf survival and habitat use in Minnesota. The technicians will assist the Research Scientist 3 in conducting field work, capturing and handling elk to attach GPS tracking collars, scouting trapping locations, communicating with landowners, constructing and operating corral traps, assisting with helicopter capture operations, monitoring elk survival and movements, collecting habitat data and biological samples, recording observational notes, entering and reviewing data, and maintaining data collection equipment. These positions will be based at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area and conduct work in or near Grygla, MN, and Karlstad MN and occasionally in adjacent areas of Canada, with travel to field sites in Marshall, Kittson, and nearby counties.

Field housing is available at no cost, primarily at Thief Lake Wildlife Management Area and in Karlstad, MN.

Responsibilities include:

• Capture adult elk, collect biological and observational data from elk, collect habitat and vegetation data and other samples in the field responsibly and safely for the project, or other projects as needed, including collecting samples and data in challenging weather conditions and sometimes for long periods of time.
• Perform accurate collection and entry of observational data and biological samples into datasheets, tablets, and databases as appropriate so that data and samples are available for review and analysis.
• Assist Research Scientist and other project personnel to properly maintain field equipment for use, storage, and transit.

This position requires the ability to work outdoors in harsh winter conditions while carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment for long periods of time. This work may be completed alone and/or in teams, including in remote areas during nonstandard work hours.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to follow written protocols and collecting biological data in wildlife field settings.
• Demonstrated ability to move over uneven terrain for long distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
• Ability to safely handle wild elk for biological sample collection and GPS collaring purposes.
• Knowledge of common vegetation and habitat sampling techniques
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively relay or receive technical information, communicate with peers and members of the public, and record field data.
• Skill in use of standard software office programs for creating and editing documents, spreadsheets, and databases sufficient to accurately enter scientific data into data tablets, datasheets, and databases.
• Demonstrated ability to drive 4WD trucks on minimally maintained roads that may be covered in snow and mud.
• Ability to operate snowmobiles and ATVs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
• Work experience safely handling elk or other wild ungulates such as deer and moose.
• Work experience with radio-telemetry homing techniques.
• Experience collecting vegetation and habitat data, including following common vegetation sampling techniques.
• Experience interacting with public land managers, private landowners, and the general public.
• Experience independently troubleshooting and resolving problems.
• Knowledge of and experience identifying Minnesota vegetation (forbs, shrubs, and trees).

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.

This position requires the ability to cross the border into Canada to conduct elk-related research; therefore, a passport is required.

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 Amanda McGraw at [e-mail] or 218-542-6381.

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].

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
  Tuition reimbursement
• 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.