Temporary Prairie Chicken Technician - NR Tech

Working Title: Temporary Prairie Chicken Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 89796
• Location: _Buffalo River State Park
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/23/2025
• Closing Date: 11/12/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Occasionally
• Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly; $44,599 - $61,971 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207- American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees / AFSCME
• Work Area: Buffalo River State Park
• Anticipated Start Date: 03/20/2026
• End Date: 08/11/2026
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
  
  

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.

These positions are being filled simultaneously with Job ID 89793. Please note the expected duration of each job posting when submitting an application. If you would like to be considered for both appointment durations, please apply to both job postings.

The DNR is currently seeking to fill multiple full-time, temporary Natural Resources Technician positions anticipated to start on March 20, 2026, and ending on August 11th, 2026. These positions will be located and conduct work in, or near, Glyndon, Minnesota. Days and hours will vary, and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. These positions will support a study of prairie-chicken landscape use and hen, nest, and brood survival in Minnesota. The technicians will assist the Research Scientist 3 in conducting field work, capturing and handling prairie-chickens to attach transmitters, scouting for leks, constructing and setting live traps, monitoring hen and brood survival, collecting habitat data and biological samples, recording observational notes, entering and reviewing data, and maintaining data collection equipment. The positions will be based at Buffalo River State Park near Glyndon, MN, with travel to field sites.

Incumbent will be offered optional housing for a nominal cost at a college dormitory approximately 15 miles from the work location in Glyndon.

Responsibilities include:

• Collect observational data, capture animals, and obtain biological data and samples in the field responsibly and safely for the project, or other projects as needed, including collecting samples and data in challenging weather conditions and sometimes for long periods of time.
• Perform accurate collection and entry of observational data and biological samples into datasheets, tablets, and databases as appropriate so that data and samples are available for review and analysis.
• Assist Research Scientist and other project personnel to properly maintain field equipment for use, storage, and transit.
• Work outdoors in adverse winter weather and environmental conditions, as necessary.
  
  

This position requires the ability to move across uneven terrain through dense vegetation while carrying up to 20 pounds of equipment for long periods of time.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ability to work safely in inclement weather, including under challenging weather conditions (cold, rain, snow), sometimes for long days.
• Ability to follow written protocols and collect biological data in wildlife field settings.
• Ability to navigate terrain over distances using maps and GPS units to navigate within and between field sites.
• Ability to safely handle wild birds for marking purposes.
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively relay or receive technical information and record field data.
• Skill in use of standard software programs for word processing, creating/editing spreadsheets, and databases sufficient to accurately enter scientific data into data tablets, datasheets, and databases.
• Ability to work effectively and courteously with DNR staff and members of the public, including private landowners and hunters.
• Ability to drive 4WD trucks on minimally maintained roads that may be covered in snow and mud.
• Ability and willingness to work alone in the field, including in remote areas, and in the early morning or late evening hours.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in wildlife, ecology, natural resource management, or related field.
• Work experience safely handling prairie-chickens or other wild grouse.
• Work experience with radio-telemetry homing techniques.
• Work experience collecting vegetation/habitat data.
• Experience interacting with public land managers, private landowners, and the general public.
• Experience independently troubleshooting and resolving problems.
  
  

Additional Requirements

This 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. 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 Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / 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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Michael Larson at [email protected] or 218-328-8873.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities 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 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
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal 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 performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), 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.

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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.