Invasive Species Technician - NR Technician

Working Title: Invasive Species Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 93175

• Location : Mankato

• Telework Eligible : No

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Seasonal

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 04/01/2026

• Closing Date : 04/21/2026

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes, some local travel with occasional overnights

• Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly; $44,599 - $61,971 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME.

• Work Area : Mankato Area

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• 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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time seasonal Invasive Species Technician located in Mankato, MN with an anticipated season of mid-April through mid-August. This position exists to provide technical and operational support to DNR Invasive Species field staff and the Invasive Species Statewide Program. This position works in a team to conduct physical and biological investigations on lakes, rivers and wetlands in Minnesota. Field work will involve but is not limited to, aquatic plant surveys, invasive invertebrate sampling, wetland surveys, insect releases, and data entry of collected information.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist in technical and operational support in the implementation of invasive plant and animal management activities including, but not limited to, aquatic plant and animal surveys, invasive species delineations, aquatic invasive species detection activities and supporting Invasive Species Specialists.

• Assist in the preparation of investigation reports of invasive species, data summaries, lake vegetation management plans, and other information requests.

• Assist in the entry, processing, and analysis of data.

• Assist in the preparation and implementation of wetland aquatic plant and insect biocontrol surveys including Purple Loosestrife and non-native Phragmites.

• Collaborate in administration of management and records so that resource management is smoothly, safely, and efficiently implemented according to plans, policies, and legal mandates.

• Participate as assigned in employee information and training programs and other educational opportunities that will ensure employee safety, enhance employee work performance, and assure proper use of equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered, you must meet ALL of the following qualifications:

• Associate's degree in ecology, biology, aquatic biology, fisheries, botany or a closely related field.

OR

• 2 years (24 months) experience performing similar invasive species work in a different classification.

AND

• Experience in invasive species management, lake ecology, and natural resource management or equivalent field work.

• Knowledge of invasive species, lake ecology, and natural resource management and field work sufficient to complete assigned and routine tasks with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge of plant field survey techniques sufficient to prepare plant specimens.

• Ability to identify common native and non-native plants.

• Knowledge of invasive species sufficient for identification and control.

• Ability to interpret aerial photos, create field maps, and maintain field notes.

• Ability to communicate effectively with others.

• Experience with the use of ArcPro/GIS.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of current aquatic invasive species management methods.

• Experience operating a motorboat and navigating water bodies using maps and GPS equipment.

• Current Pesticide Applicator license or must obtain certification within the 4-month employment period.

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in ecology, biology, aquatic biology, fisheries, botany or a closely related field.

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 the 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 EMPLOYER

Minnesota 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.