State Heritage Botanist - Research Scientist 2

Working Title: State Heritage Botanist Job Class: Research Scientist 2 Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources Job ID: 97276Location: Sauk RapidsTelework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%Full/Part Time: Full-TimeRegular/Temporary: UnlimitedWho May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekersDate Posted: 10/09/2026Closing Date: 10/30/2026Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural ResourcesDivision/Unit: Ecological and Water ResourcesWork Shift/Work Hours: Day ShiftDays of Work: Monday - FridayTravel Required: Yes, statewide travel with overnights as needed for field work and meetingsSalary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annuallyJob Class Option: BotanistClassified Status: ClassifiedBargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPEFLSA Status: Exempt - ProfessionalDesignated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS) within the Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Full-Time Unlimited State Heritage Botanist - Research Scientist 2 position located in Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. This position is a lead statewide botanical expert for the department. The incumbent coordinates and implements the collection, organization and interpretation of data and information on Minnesota’s native flora (native plant species), as well as the application of current scientific understanding to the conservation of Minnesota’s native flora. This position provides scientific expertise to internal and external partners, as well as the general public. This is a key botanical subject matter expert supporting the implementation of the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) statutory requirements of Minnesota’s threatened and endangered species legislation, as it pertains to plant species (Minnesota Statutes 84.0895). Responsibilities include: Serve as the primary subject matter expert to the division, department and eternal partners and stakeholders on the biology, ecology, distribution, conservation status and protection needs of Minnesota's native flora.Serve as the lead botanical expert for activities related to implementing the statutory requirements of Minnesota's threatened and endangered species legislation as it pertains to plant species (Minnesota Statutes 84.0895) and on the administration of Minnesota's Ginseng Harvest Program (Minnesota Statutes 84.023).Provide day-to-day leadership by developing, implementing, coordinating and/or assuring completion of survey, monitoring or research projects guided by the MBS Strategic Plan in support of the conservation, protection and management needs of Minnesota's native flora. This position will require in-field data collection. This often requires long distance travel, hiking/paddling long distances and multiday day overnight stays (hotel/camping). The incumbent must be comfortable working alone, often in remote locations, during inclement weather and with exposure to ectoparasites. An incumbent must be competent in off-trail and back country orienteering. 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 Advanced degree in botany, plant ecology, ecology, evolution, conservation biology, plant-focused taxonomy, wildlife, or related field.Three (3) years of professional experience with an M.S. degree or one (1) year of professional experience with a Ph.D. as a botanist conducting field-based survey, monitoring or research projects.Knowledge of plant species native to Minnesota and their habitats (e.g.'s taxonomy, population ecology and genetics, habitat associations and management needs).Experience with data collection and analytical methods commonly used in plant taxonomy and plant population ecology (e.g.'s accessioning herbarium-quality specimens, demography).Project management skills sufficient to effectively plan, budget, track, coordinate, oversee contracts, and direct resources available to meet program and project needs.Experience with standard word processing (e.g. Word), data management (e.g. Excel), and Geographic Information Systems (e.g. ArcMap).Demonstrated leadership experience in field work including maintaining productive and positive working relationships and resolving conflicts with a variety of colleagues and partners.Demonstrated experience communicating scientific and technical concepts, orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences. Preferred Qualifications Five (5) years of professional experience with an M.S. degree or three (3) years of professional experience with a Ph.D. as a botanist conducting field-based survey, monitoring or research projects.Analytical skills and experience necessary to design botanical studies, interpret data and support research conclusions.Knowledge of the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) responsibilities and processes used to fulfill statutory requirements under Minnesota Statutes 84.0895 as it pertains to plant species.Documented botanical scientific contributions within Minnesota (e.g. peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, botanical specimen collections).Experience serving as a botanical technical expert and effective team member within large-scale, long-term and/or multi-agency collaborative projects.Experience serving as a botanical technical expert supporting Environmental or Natural Heritage review or similar legal processes. Demonstrated experience obtaining and managing grant funding to support a botanical study or 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 ReviewCriminal History CheckEducation VerificationEmployment Reference / Records CheckLicense / Certification Verification How To Apply Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers. Contact If you have questions about this position, contact Holly Bernardo at holly.bernardo@state.mn.us or 651-259-5048. If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@state.mn.us. Working together to improve the state we love. What do Minnesota's State employees have in common? A sense of purpose in their workConnection with their coworkers and communitiesOpportunities for personal and professional growth Benefits As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well. Your benefits may include: Paid vacation and sick leave 12 paid holidays each year Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plansFertility care, including IVFDiabetes careDental and orthodontic care for adults and children 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted childrenPension 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 deathShort-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injuryTax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being Support to help you reach your career goals: Training, classes, and professional developmentFederal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support: A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performanceCommon sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issuesDaily 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. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants With Disabilities Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.