Farmed Species and Feral Swine Program Supervisor - State Program Administrator Director

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources • Location: Brainerd • Telework eligible: Yes • Full-time, unlimited position

About the role

The Division of Fish and Wildlife (FAW) is seeking a Farmed Species and Feral Swine Program Supervisor to administer and coordinate the Division’s responsibilities related to farmed white-tailed deer management; game and fur farm regulations; and feral swine outreach, monitoring, and response. This position supervises staff engaged with regulation and oversight of commercial use of game, feral hogs, restricted species, and other emerging issues that pose risks to Minnesota’s wildlife and game species.

The supervisor will work closely with the DNR’s Division of Enforcement to regulate white-tailed deer, game, and fur farms, including coordinating inspections, investigations, compliance, and enforcement activities. The role serves as the DNR liaison with the Board of Animal Health (BAH), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and other state and federal agencies on farmed cervid and restricted species issues.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff to ensure equitable administration of labor agreements and effective performance of assigned duties to meet annual and long-term objectives.
• Administer and provide management and policy direction for statewide farmed species and feral swine programs to meet legal requirements and minimize risks to wild game species and habitats.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial and program reporting.
• Coordinate with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, USDA APHIS, and other agencies.
• Serve as the DNR lead for farmed species and feral swine regulations and communications.
• Identify program communication and outreach priorities, focusing on farmed white-tailed deer, feral swine, and fur/game farms.
• Direct fiscal and administrative activities to ensure completion of priority work as planned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, natural resources, wildlife ecology, animal science, or a closely related field.
• Three years of advanced professional experience in wildlife health or wildlife management, including coordination of planning, implementation, and evaluation of natural resources programs or research at a regional or statewide scope.
• Two years of supervisory or lead work experience in a professional setting, including workload prioritization, direction, and performance monitoring/evaluation.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct and develop staff, collaborate with partners, resolve conflict, and generate public support.
• Extensive knowledge of game species biology, wildlife ecology, management techniques, population dynamics, and state and federal laws and regulations.
• Working knowledge of livestock or captive animal husbandry/management practices and operations.
• Working knowledge of chronic wasting disease and familiarity with other animal diseases posing risks to wildlife, domestic animals, or people.
• Human dimensions of wildlife skills to inform state policies, regulations, and program guidance.
• Strong communication skills to convey complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to meet physical requirements and work in environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status.
• Background check required prior to employment, including conflict of interest review, criminal history check, education verification, employment reference/records check, and license/certification verification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience with citizen participation, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques.
• Experience as a program lead or demonstrated program leadership skills, including managing complex projects and teams.
• Experience with databases and information system technologies.
• Ability to analyze complex resource management issues and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Working knowledge of legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Knowledge of natural resource management agencies, stakeholder organizations, and key personnel.
• Administrative, supervisory, and budget management experience.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after three years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources for physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services, including chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.

Pay

$38.83 - $55.93 hourly; $81,077 - $116,782 annually.

Schedule

• Day shift, Monday - Friday.
• Occasional travel required.
• Flexible work arrangement with potential for part-time telework (subject to change).
• Regular reporting to the primary work location and infrequent visits to field offices for coordination, meetings, and trainings.