Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist - Spec Sr Eco Svcs

Working Title:

Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist

Job Class:
Natural Resources Specialist Senior Ecological Services

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job
• Location:
  
  St. Paul
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes – Up to 50%
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/15/2026
• Closing Date: 02/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday-Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes - during Field Season
• Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 per hour; $61,074- $89,659 annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit: 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
• FLSA Status:
  Exempt-Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes

The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

We are seeking an Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist in St. Paul, MN. The Specialist will provide planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Invasive Species Program prevention and management activities within the assigned region and provide technical assistance to DNR programs and staff whose work responsibilities involve invasive species prevention and management activities.

• Administer Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permits, Prohibited and Regulated Aquatic Invasive Species and Infested Water Permits to support the AIS Program goals through the issuance of permits.
• Coordinate, implement, and evaluate invasive species management, prevention and regulatory activities related to Minnesota's Aquatic Invasive Species Statute and Rules within assigned counties.
• Manage and inventory invasive species data and utilize the best science to evaluate prevention and management outcomes for the program.
• Implement internal DNR policies and initiatives related to the DNR's statutory responsibilities for identifying, listing, and managing invasive aquatic species.
• Serve as a technical expert of aquatic invasive species by providing technical and regulatory assistance to both internal staff and external partners.
• Implement the District’s AIS functions in collaboration with the other District Invasive Species Specialist.
• Provide direction and coordination for program administration to assigned interns or staff.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis.

• Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Biology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or closely related field with coursework in aquatic sciences, plant biology and ecology.
• Three years professional experience designing and implementing (including data management and analysis) biological assessments and habitat management actions benefiting aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems.
• Advanced degree in a field listed above may substitute one year of experience.
• Experience operating a watercraft and navigating a waterbody using GPS equipment.
• Knowledge of aquatic plant field survey techniques and plant specimen preparation and preservation methods.
• Knowledge of aquatic plant management techniques and ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate control activities in Minnesota and their impacts.
• Ability to identify aquatic invasive species and native aquatic plants found in Minnesota.
• Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, in particular Arc View/ArcGIS sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products.
• Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance, training and achieve cooperation and collaboration with clients, peers, and staff.
• Technical writing skills sufficient to author and disseminate survey results to a variety of audiences.
• Skills in data management and analysis sufficient to use statistical software and or relational databases to analyze data and report results.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize a large and multifaceted workload and carry multiple projects through to completion.
• Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting in public…