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

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.

About the role

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

This position 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 other enforcement activities. The supervisor will also serve as the DNR liaison with the Board of Animal Health (BAH) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on farmed cervid and restricted species issues and work closely with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS); the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA); the University of Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO); University of Minnesota – Extension, and the cervid, game and fur farm industries within Minnesota.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the staff of the farmed species and feral swine program so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitably administered and employees effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve the annual and long-term objectives of the Section of Wildlife.
• Administer and provide management and policy direction for the statewide farmed species and feral swine programs to meet legal requirements and minimize risk of harm to wild game species and their habitats. Ensure that financial and other reporting is done correctly and on time.
• Coordinate closely with the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, the United States Department of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and other state and federal agencies.
• Serve as the DNR lead regarding farmed species and feral swine regulations and communications.
• Identify program communication and outreach priorities, with an emphasis on farmed white-tailed deer, feral swine, and fur/game farms.
• Direct fiscal and other administrative activities in the farmed and feral species program so that Section priority work is completed as planned and according to desired time schedules.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis as well as to field offices on an infrequent basis for program coordination, onsite meetings, and trainings with staff and colleagues.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in wildlife management, natural resources, wildlife ecology, animal science, or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of advanced professional experience in wildlife health or wildlife management, including responsibility for coordination of the planning, implementation, and evaluation of natural resources programs/research/staff of a significant area, region, or statewide scope. An advanced degree in one of the fields listed above may substitute for 1 year of experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory or lead work experience in a professional setting, including workload prioritization and direction and performance monitoring/evaluation.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff; provide staff guidance and training; collaborate with conservation partners; resolve conflict in a positive manner; and generate public support.
• Extensive knowledge of game species biology and wildlife ecology, management techniques and options, population dynamics, state and federal laws and regulations, and regulatory approaches.
• Working knowledge of livestock or captive animal husbandry/management practices and operations.
• Working knowledge of chronic wasting disease and ability to become familiar with other animal diseases that pose risks for wildlife, domestic animals, or people.
• Human dimensions of wildlife skills necessary to inform state policies, regulations, and program guidance.
• Communication skills sufficient to convey complex information to technical and non-technical internal and external audiences via verbal and written methods to make progress on program objectives.
• 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.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Management, Ecology, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience with citizen participation, conflict resolution, and negotiation techniques.
• Experience as program lead or demonstrated program leadership skills, including managing complex projects and team management, including the ability to effectively manage and prioritize a large and multifaceted workload and carry multiple projects through to completion—sometimes over a multi-year time span.
• Experience with databases and information system technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action.
• Working knowledge of legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Considerable knowledge of the purpose and basic organizational structure of other natural resource management agencies and stakeholder organizations and the key people within them.
• Administrative, supervisory, and budget management experience to manage and allocate resources and report accomplishments.

Pay

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

Schedule

• Full-time, unlimited (permanent) position.
• Day shift, Monday - Friday.
• Occasional travel required.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF.
• Diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years).
• Employer-paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (some positions may qualify).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services: chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

Programs, resources, and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.