State Heritage Botanist - Research Scientist 2

Working Title: State Heritage Botanist

Job Class: Research Scientist 2

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 97276

• Location : Sauk Rapids

• 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 : 10/09/2026

• Closing Date : 10/30/2026

• 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, statewide travel with overnights as needed for field work and meetings

• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

• Job Class Option : Botanist

• Classified Status : Classified

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

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

The Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) within the Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Full-Time Unlimited State Heritage Botanist - Research Scientist 2 position located in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota.

This position is a lead statewide botanical expert for the department. The incumbent coordinates and implements the collection, organization and interpretation of data and information on Minnesota’s native flora (native plant species), as well as the application of current scientific understanding to the conservation of Minnesota’s native flora. This position provides scientific expertise to internal and external partners, as well as the general public. This is a key botanical subject matter expert supporting the implementation of the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) statutory requirements of Minnesota’s threatened and endangered species legislation, as it pertains to plant species (Minnesota Statutes 84.0895).

Responsibilities include:

• Serve as the primary subject matter expert to the division, department and eternal partners and stakeholders on the biology, ecology, distribution, conservation status and protection needs of Minnesota's native flora.

• Serve as the lead botanical expert for activities related to implementing the statutory requirements of Minnesota's threatened and endangered species legislation as it pertains to plant species (Minnesota Statutes 84.0895) and on the administration of Minnesota's Ginseng Harvest Program (Minnesota Statutes 84.023).

• Provide day-to-day leadership by developing, implementing, coordinating and/or assuring completion of survey, monitoring or research projects guided by the MBS Strategic Plan in support of the conservation, protection and management needs of Minnesota's native flora.

This position will require in-field data collection. This often requires long distance travel, hiking/paddling long distances and multiday day overnight stays (hotel/camping). The incumbent must be comfortable working alone, often in remote locations, during inclement weather and with exposure to ectoparasites. An incumbent must be competent in off-trail and back country orienteering.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced degree in botany, plant ecology, ecology, evolution, conservation biology, plant-focused taxonomy, wildlife, or related field.

• Three (3) years of professional experience with an M.S. degree or one (1) year of professional experience with a Ph.D. as a botanist conducting field-based survey, monitoring or research projects.

• Knowledge of plant species native to Minnesota and their habitats (e.g.'s taxonomy, population ecology and genetics, habitat associations and management needs).

• Experience with data collection and analytical methods commonly used in plant taxonomy and plant population ecology (e.g.'s accessioning herbarium-quality specimens, demography).

• Project management skills sufficient to effectively plan, budget, track, coordinate, oversee contracts, and direct resources available to meet program and project needs.

• Experience with standard word processing (e.g. Word), data management (e.g. Excel), and Geographic Information Systems (e.g. ArcMap).

• Demonstrated leadership experience in field work including maintaining productive and positive working relationships and resolving conflicts with a variety of colleagues and partners.

• Demonstrated experience communicating scientific and technical concepts, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of professional experience with an M.S. degree or three (3) years of professional experience with a Ph.D. as a botanist conducting field-based survey, monitoring or research projects.

• Analytical skills and experience necessary to design botanical studies, interpret data and support research conclusions.

• Knowledge of the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) responsibilities and processes used to fulfill statutory requirements under Minnesota Statutes 84.0895 as it pertains to plant species.

• Documented botanical scientific contributions within Minnesota (e.g. peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, botanical specimen collections).

• Experience serving as a botanical technical expert and effective team member within large-scale, long-term and/or multi-agency collaborative projects.

• Experience serving as a botanical technical expert supporting Environmental or Natural Heritage review or similar legal processes.

• Demonstrated experience obtaining and managing grant funding to support a botanical study or program.

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

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 [email protected] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.