Working Title: Restoration Evaluation Specialist

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior - Ecological Services

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 84931

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Limited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 3/20/2025

• Closing Date : 4/09/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Ecological & Water Resources

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, occasional

• Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually

• Classified Status : Unclassified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE

• End Date : 01/01/2028

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• 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.

This position exists to support the development and implementation of the Restoration Evaluation Program and enable the effective administration of this interagency program in close collaboration with the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). The Evaluation Program manages an independent third-party review of Legacy-funded restoration and enhancement projects across Minnesota to assess the application of current science and promote continuous improvement in practices. This effort is intended to support project partners in maximizing the impact of Minnesotan’s investment in restoration. Duties include a wide range of field and office tasks, as well as coordinating work with multiple state agencies, local government partners and contractors. This position provides leadership in some areas and assists with collaborative projects and provides recommendations for others.

Job responsibilities include:

• Support the effective administration of a program to evaluate the effectiveness of restoration and enhancement projects by leading on selected program tasks and assisting with other tasks.

• Lead the effort to develop and maintain program materials that document and inform the work of the Restoration Evaluation Program.

• Lead the site assessment for selected restoration projects and coordinate and compile results from all site assessments.

• Assist with the development of work agreements and the selection of site assessors.

• Assist and support expert panel review of evaluated restoration projects by managing and delivering evaluation data to the evaluation panel and organizing and summarizing the work of the evaluation panel.

• Communicate restoration evaluation outcomes and connect this effort with similar initiatives focused on restoration activities. This includes leading and collaborating in the planning of webinars, conference organization, special sessions, and podcasts.

• Maintain appropriate level of knowledge and understanding of methods related to restoration and restoration evaluations.

• Contribute to coordination within DNR as well as coordination with BWSR to successfully implement restoration evaluations and meet the statutory requirements of the program.

This position will require occasional travel in state to field sites including approximately 3-4 overnights per field season. This position may be eligible to telework on a full or 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 biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.

• Two years professional experience with designing and implementing habitat management actions or conducting biological assessments of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. An advanced degree may substitute for one year of professional experience.

• Knowledge and technical skills related to assessment of ecological, habitat and/or water resource restoration practices.

• Experience assembling, managing, analyzing, and interpreting data and conveying information on restorations and cause-and-effect relationships.

• Excellent written and communications skills to translate highly technical information into public-facing documents and presentations that are understandable, accessible, and audience-specific.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to produce and maintain word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

• Interpersonal skills to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Project management skills sufficient to plan, coordinate, and evaluate complex programs or projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years professional experience with designing and implementing habitat management actions or conducting biological assessments of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems.

• An advanced degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.

• Experience working for or with local government units (LGUs) managing and implementing restoration and conservation projects.

• Planning and facilitation skills sufficient to coordinate and facilitate project team meetings.

• Experience conducting field surveys of plants or animals, including identifying terrestrial plants.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

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. 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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.