Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist - NR Spec Eco Svcs

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hiring a full-time Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist in Brainerd, MN. This role involves supporting regional staff in evaluating environmental impacts on natural resources. Responsibilities include analyzing project information, maintaining documentation, and ensuring compliance with state policies. The position allows for telework eligibility up to 50%, with occasional travel required for meetings.
Working Title: Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources



Job ID: 94393
Location: Brainerd
Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 06/06/2026
Closing Date: 06/26/2026
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 - occasionally for meetings
Salary Range: $24.79 - $35.96 / hourly; $51,761 - $75,084 / 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: 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 permanent Assistant Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist located in Brainerd, Minnesota. This position exists to support regional staff, primarily the Regional Environmental Assessment Ecologist (REAE), for the Division of Ecological and Water Resources (EWR) to avoid, minimize and/or compensate for adverse impacts to waters, fish, wildlife, and native plant resources. This position will provide and integrate science-based information on ecological processes and ecological approaches to federal, state, local government, or private development projects.
It will also ensure that environmental review documents are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention is completed.


Responsibilities include:

Gather, analyze and prepare information for the evaluation of proposed projects in the northwest and/or northeast regions that require EWR review of public water permitting (Chapter 103G), Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act (WCA), COE (Section 10/404), Lands and Minerals transactions, watershed management plans, and various miscellaneous program and Division related documents so that impacts to fish and wildlife resources are accurately identified and avoided, minimized or compensated.
Maintain a repository of project information, including project documents, comment deadlines and draft comments, so that projects are reviewed accurately, openly, and promptly and that proper document retention and posting of materials is completed.
Complete administrative tasks necessary to carry our responsibilities according to state standards so that activities follow department and state policies.

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 will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
Computer knowledge including spreadsheet and word processing skills.
Demonstrated skills in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), particularly ArcMap or ArcPro sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create maps for projects.
Technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and disseminate review and analysis results to a variety of audiences.
Ability to communicate with diverse individuals and groups.
Ability to prioritize projects and allocate sufficient time to perform duties and meet deadlines.
Knowledge sufficient to recognize the nature and degree of potential impacts of proposed projects on natural resources, convey those impacts to others, and make suggestions for avoidance measures.
Ability to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, GPS equipment, or aerial maps.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, environmental management, or closely related field.
Experience with Environmental Review or working within a regulatory program.
Ability to conduct field work under adverse w