Deer, Moose, and Elk Scientist - Research Scientist 3

Working Title: Deer, Moose, and Elk ScientistJob Class: Research Scientist 3Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID : 78945

Location : Grand Rapids

Telework Eligible : Yes

Full/Part Time : Full-Time

Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted : 08/16/2024

Closing Date : 09/05/2024

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

Division/Unit : DNR Fish and Wildlife / Wildlife Research Program

Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

Days of Work : Monday - Friday

Travel Required : Yes

Salary Range: $36.71 - $54.60 / hourly; $76,650 - $114,004 / annually

Classified Status : Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE

FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 DNR is currently seeking a Deer, Moose, and Elk Scientist in Grand Rapids, MN. This position exists to provide high-level technical expertise on the ecology, research, and monitoring of ungulates (i.e., moose statewide, white-tailed deer in the forested parts of the state, and elk in northeastern Minnesota); to develop and evaluate new research and analytical methods; and to design, implement, and report on complex and collaborative research and survey projects to provide new knowledge that can be applied to the management of and harvest frameworks for ungulates. The incumbent also represents the DNR in public meetings; disseminates advanced technical expertise on research and population surveys to peers, clientele, and the media; and acts as a key participant in the development, evaluation, and implementation of DNR management policies required to ensure the sustainability of wildlife resources in Minnesota.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 a telework agreement. This position may require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis for onboarding and meetings.Responsibilities include:

Plan, prioritize, design, analyze, and oversee independent, original, and often collaborative research projects concerning cause-specific mortality, habitat and predator interactions and ungulate population dynamics so that relevant data are collected for increased scientific knowledge and improved management.

Conduct independent or collaborative research projects, developing work plans for ungulate research and survey projects that account for both short- and long-term research and monitoring needs, and advise other government or academic researchers on projects that ensure project validity, including by the use of appropriate and rigorous scientific techniques, research methods, statistical analyses, and reporting.

Develop or apply advanced, state-of-the-art techniques and technologies to evaluate defined problems.

Present scientific results and evidence-based interpretations and expert opinions to inform peers, the public, and the development, implementation, evaluation, and revision of department or state policies, rules, and statutes that improve management of wildlife populations.

Coordinate, direct, and report results of the annual Minnesota moose population survey.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Wildlife Management, Ecology, or closely related field AND three (3) years advanced professional experience in scientific, experimental, research, monitoring, and survey techniques pertaining to the conservation and/or management of wild mammals. OR

A PhD in Wildlife Management, Ecology, or closely related field AND one (1) year of advanced professional experience in scientific, experimental, research, monitoring, and survey techniques pertaining to the conservation and/or management of wild mammals.

Applicants must also meet the following additional minimum qualifications:

Working knowledge of the ecology and management of ungulates to identify and prioritize research needs and formulate hypotheses relevant to management decisions.

Advanced knowledge of scientific principles, experimental design, statistical modeling, and field sampling techniques to design and analyze data from scientifically valid and cost-efficient research projects.

Skill in conducting statistical analyses of field data to test hypotheses and make appropriate inferences, including proficiency in Program R or other statistical software packages.

Demonstrated skill in publishing at least 2 research manuscripts about animal ecology or management in peer-reviewed journals as the lead author.

Management skills to effectively plan, budget, motivate, coordinate, and direct resources to meet wildlife research needs.

Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate research results to peers and decision-makers in real time by explaining data tables, graphs, and diagrams and by answering resulting questions.

Skill at building and maintaining mutually respectful, beneficial, and rewarding relationships with a diverse network of scientific and professional peers, including land and wildlife managers.

Ability to operate 4-wheel-drive trucks, snowmobiles, and all-terrain vehicles in field situations.

Preferred Qualifications

Post-doctoral research on wild mammals.

Advanced professional experience leading and completing research on deer, moose, or elk.

Experience conducting applied wildlife research (i.e., research that reduces uncertainties relevant to making decisions for wildlife management or conservation).

Human relationship and conflict management skills to assess and collaboratively resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.

Experience and technical proficiency live-trapping ungulates, using immobilizing drugs, handing biological samples, tracking animal movements, and estimating survival.

Extensive computer programming experience with Program R.

Proficiency in ArcGIS and using geographic information systems data.

Experience modeling populations of large mammals, preferably ungulates, and understanding the outputs sufficient to make management recommendations.

Additional RequirementsThis position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.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.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 Review

Criminal History Check

Education Verification

Employment Reference / Records Check

License / Certification Verification

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERMinnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.