Regional Plant Ecologist - NR Spec Sr Eco Svcs

Location: Bemidji, MN

Telework eligible: Yes, up to 50%
Full-time, unlimited (permanent) position

About the role

The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking a Regional Plant Ecologist to support conservation, environmental review, regulatory decision-making, restoration, and land management. This role promotes Minnesota's ecological communities and native plants, with an emphasis on rare communities and species, and sustainable ecological diversity, function, and resilience across the Northwest Region. The position focuses on prairies, savannas, calcareous fens, and open peatland ecological systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coordination, and technical guidance to integrate ecological information into land management and stewardship on public and private lands.
• Plan, implement, and evaluate training and outreach activities to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management.
• Collect, compile, submit, and analyze data on plants (including rare species) and ecological communities to support resource protection, restoration, conservation, and management decisions.
• Conduct administrative responsibilities according to state standards to ensure compliance with department and state policies.
• Maintain current knowledge in ecology, ecosystem management, restoration, and land use planning to apply scientifically rigorous approaches in conserving native plants and plant communities.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible for part-time telework, subject to change. Reporting to the primary work location is required for meetings, training, onboarding, and fieldwork.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a closely related field with an emphasis in ecology.
• Three years of professional-level experience coordinating and integrating conservation of rare species, biodiversity, and ecological approaches into sustainable management of prairie, savanna, and wetland communities. An advanced degree in a related field may substitute for one year of experience.
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including ArcGIS or similar software, for spatial analyses and map creation, along with proficiency in standard computer applications (word processing, spreadsheets, relational databases).
• Experience conducting ecological fieldwork, including vegetation sampling and data collection, management, analysis, and interpretation related to plant taxonomy, community ecology, and landscape ecology.
• Ability to communicate and present technical and non-technical ecological information through reports, presentations, training, and outreach to diverse audiences.
• Ability to integrate ecological information and priorities with social and economic considerations to develop resource management and protection recommendations.
• Knowledge of conservation biology, biodiversity, and ecological principles to evaluate impacts on native plant communities and rare species.
• Knowledge of common and rare Minnesota plants sufficient to classify native plant communities and document conservation values (e.g., rare species).
• Ability to navigate rough terrain and difficult field conditions in remote areas using a compass, maps, aerial photographs, and GPS equipment.
• Ability to establish productive working relationships and interact respectfully with people holding differing points of view and values.
• Experience managing and prioritizing a large, multifaceted workload and carrying multiple projects through to completion.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in plant ecology, landscape ecology, botany, conservation biology, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• Experience conducting surveys or working with native plants and plant communities in Minnesota, especially prairie, savanna, calcareous fen, and/or open peatland ecosystems.
• Thorough understanding of native plant communities and native flora of the Northwest Region of Minnesota.
• Experience evaluating potential impacts to native plant communities and rare species and developing science-based recommendations to avoid or minimize those impacts.
• Experience planning and delivering technical training, outreach, or educational programs related to ecology or natural resource management.
• Knowledge of or training in negotiation, conflict resolution, or collaborative problem-solving.
• Knowledge of soil science, limnology, hydrology, silviculture, chemistry, and/or statistics.

Pay

$29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually

Schedule

Day shift, Monday - Friday
Travel required: Yes, regularly within the region, occasional travel outside of region

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 after working at least three years
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities
• 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)

Benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service.