Conservation Easement Monitoring Specialist - NR Spec Int Eco Svcs

Working Title : Conservation Easement Monitoring Specialist

Job Class: NR Spec Int Eco Svcs

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97729

• Location: Duluth French River Office

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted: 10/16/2026

• Closing Date: 11/5/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift

• Days of Work: Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, up to 50%

• Salary Range: $26.89 - $39.22 / hourly; $56,146 - $81,891 / annually

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit: 214- MN Assoc of Professional Empl/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 DNR is currently seeking (1) Conservation Easement Monitoring Specialist in our Duluth French River Office. This position conducts and coordinates conservation easement monitoring and reporting for the MNDNR Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Primary duties include conducting baseline and monitoring surveys on conservation easements, communicating with landowners, preparing reports, and coordinating report approvals. Monitoring visits are conducted to evaluate compliance with easement terms and to assess ecological condition, including but not limited to identifying invasive species, assessing need for riparian vegetation management, erosion control, and stream channel or bank stabilization. Assessment data are analyzed to develop management guidance for habitat enhancement or restoration.

Responsibilities Include:

• Monitor conservation easements held by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, including planning and scheduling baseline reporting and monitoring, preparing maps, and conducting field visits to ensure compliance with conservation easements.

• Analyze ecological data to prioritize parcels for acquisition and coordinate with FAW land acquisition unit to acquire new conservation easements.

• Attend meetings of stewardship and enforcement working groups; providing input to increase efficiency and consistency and maintain/improve landowner relations.

• Conduct habitat assessments on easements during routine inspections. Communicating relevant information to Area office so that it can inform management guidance for habitat improvement projects.

• Assess management issues within easement corridors, including identification of invasive species, needs for vegetation management, and needs related to stream geomorphology, channel stability, streambank erosion, and connectivity.

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

A Bachelor's Degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or closely related field

And;

Two years' professional level experience sufficient to coordinate and monitor fish or wildlife population surveys, public land stewardship surveys, make habitat management recommendations, and identify sensitive land parcels for acquisition

Experience in GIS and mapping

Ability to identify invasive aquatic and terrestrial plant species

Communication skills sufficient to share technical and non-technical information to a variety of audiences

Computer skills sufficient to prepare reports, correspondence, and complete data entry

Conflict management skills sufficient to resolve controversial situations

Ability to safely work in remote areas in adverse weather and environmental conditions

Preferred Qualifications

An advanced degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, or closely related field

Experience with the Conservation Easement Monitoring System Database

Knowledge of Real Estate transactions and the Land Records System

Experience conducting habitat assessments and habitat management of Minnesota trout streams

Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Sar of the North Fellowship 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.