Parks and Trails Conservation Aide- NR Tech

About the role

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) NR Technician position located in Moose Lake, Minnesota. Days of work are Monday through Thursday, hours of work are 7:00am - 5:30pm.

Responsibilities

• Implement resource management activities to protect and improve wetland, grassland, and forest resources in accordance with division policy and procedure.
• Control invasive species with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brush-sawing), and chemical methods.
• Conduct prescribed burns and/or respond to wildfires and incidents as assigned.
• Operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, are functional for the anticipated life cycle of the equipment, and in top operating condition at all times.
• Inventories and surveys plant and animal species to better evaluate community diversity/abundance.
• Affords assistance to program staff with mentoring and training of field crews in plant identification, chainsaw safety, herbicide best management practices, and prescribed fire.

Requirements

• Ability to direct work activities to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups.
• Ability to transport and operate heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain chainsaw / brush saws, pumps, sprayers, UHV's, ATV's power tools, and other equipment.
• Ability to apply herbicides pesticides.
• Ability to identify Minnesota flora and manage native and invasive plant species.
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
• Current certification or ability to become certified as chainsaw Faller 3.

Qualifications

• One Year (12 months) experience in natural resources or habitat management.
• Experience transporting and operating heavy equipment like tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, and farm implements.
• Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
• Advanced experience in safe and efficient operation of chainsaws saws (S-212 or equivalent training).
• Experience conducting prescribed burns.
• Certification as Faller 2 level or higher.

Skills

• Ability to pass a moderate fitness test based on the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Work Capacity within 6 months of your start date and then on an annual basis.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• 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