Fergus Falls Area Fisheries Supervisor

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Fisheries Supervisor for the Fergus Falls area. This role involves overseeing fisheries management programs, ensuring efficient operations, coordinating fish stocking, and engaging with local associations. A Bachelor's degree in a related field is required. The position offers a flexible work arrangement with potential for part-time telework, but regular on-site presence is necessary for fieldwork and meetings.
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $33.61 – $48.66 / hourly; $70,177 – $101,602 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 – Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive
• 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.

Job Summary

This position exists to supervise and administer the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive fisheries management program in the Park Rapids Fisheries Management Area (Hubbard, Wadena, and eastern Becker Counties) to protect, sustain, and enhance fisheries and other aquatic resources.

Core Activities Include:
• Perform supervisory functions to ensure the efficient and orderly operation of the program.
• Direct and operate an area headquarters with full budget responsibility to meet operational needs and serve clientele, ensuring a base for field operations is available to staff employees to meet program goals.
• Coordinate, supervise, and implement a fisheries investigational program to collect, analyze, and make relevant information available for effective long- and short-term management planning.
• Direct fish stocking and propagation programs to enhance local, regional, and statewide sport fishing opportunities.
• Coordinate with local associations and other government units to implement fisheries management plans for area resources.
• Provide a public relations program to inform clientele of fisheries activities and educate them on the long-term value of resource protection.
• Coordinate fisheries management and research activities to ensure programs meet specified goals and objectives of fish management policy while minimizing conflicts with other agencies or user groups’ interests.
• Assume responsibility and accountability for the safe performance of tasks by staff according to established safety procedures, reducing injuries and equipment damages.
• Perform all job responsibilities in a manner that supports a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible for part-time telework, subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. The position will also require regular reporting to the primary work location or field sites for fieldwork, training, and meetings.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in biology, fisheries, fish and wildlife, or a closely related area required. Transcripts are required for this position. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be sent instructions for transcript review after the posting close date.
• Transcript requirements:
• Fisheries and aquatic sciences courses: A minimum of 4 courses, totaling 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. At least 2 of these courses must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management.
• Other biological sciences courses: These, when combined with the preceding courses, should total 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.
• Physical sciences courses: Fifteen semester or 23 quarter hours.
• Mathematics and statistics courses: Six semester or 9 quarter hours, including 1 college algebra and 1 statistics course, or 2 statistics courses.
• Communications courses: Nine semester or 13 quarter hours (3 semester or 5 quarter hours may be in communication-intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college).
• To receive credit for coursework, letter grades must be ‘C-‘ or higher.
• Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or Certified Fisheries Professional will be accepted in lieu of the required coursework.
• Four years of professional-level experience with increasing responsibility in fisheries management, research, ecology, or a closely related field sufficient to develop, administer, and support fish management or research on a regional scale.
• Demonstrated supervisory or lead worker experience with training in coaching and conflict resolution skills to effectively discipline, train, and educate others.
• Organizational and interpersonal skills to work effectively as a team member.
• Ability to prepare and edit high-quality technical reports and management plans to present to division management and other decision-makers.
• Communication skills to convey information to technical audiences and local constituents (e.g., professional fisheries organizations, organized angling groups, legislative committees, etc.).
• Ability to safely work in adverse weather and environmental conditions and operate equipment such as boats, outboard motors, trailers, etc.
• Computer proficiency, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, and statistical programs, to analyze collected data and perform statistical analysis.
• Conflict resolution/human relations skills to negotiate, resolve issues, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
• Considerable knowledge of fisheries management program procedures, including planning, executing, evaluating, and reporting on a comprehensive fisheries area management program.
• Ability to treat employees inclusively, addressing accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
• Ability to set long-term and short-term goals and objectives that empower employees, stakeholders, and the public equitably.

Preferred Qualifications
• Master’s degree or PhD in Fisheries or a closely related field.
• Experience facilitating or leading diverse groups to consensus on complex fisheries-related issues.
• Experience with cold-water streams and trout management.
• Experience with fisheries management in large river systems.
• Safety training.
• Experience developing and implementing budgets and operational plans.
• Experience with egg take, fish hatchery, and rearing-pond operations.

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 their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and 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. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference/Records Check
• License/Certification Verification

Application Details

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 Marc Bacigalupi at marc.bacigalupi@state.mn.us or 218-308-2633.

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 Elyse Anderson at elyse.anderson@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 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.