AIS Management & Support Specialist - Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Ecological Services

The State of Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources seeks a full-time AIS Management & Support Specialist in St. Paul, MN. This role involves providing technical support for invasive species management, conducting assessments of aquatic ecosystems, and assisting with data collection and reporting. The position allows for telework up to 50%. Applicants must be qualified job seekers, and the salary ranges from $55,185 to $80,492 annually.
Job Details



Working Title: AIS Management & Support Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Ecological Services
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources



Job ID: 93761
Location: St. Paul
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: 04/30/2026
Closing Date: 05/20/2026
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: No
Salary Range: $26.43 - $38.55 / hourly; $55,185 - $80,492 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc 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.





Job Summary



The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to fill one (1) full-time unlimited Aquatic Invasive Species Management and Support Specialist position located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This position will provide technical support and program assistance to the District Invasive Species Specialists. The incumbent will assist with assessments of aquatic ecosystems; analyze and communicate assessment results to internal and external clients. The incumbent will assist with aquatic plant or animal surveys of lakes, rivers, and deep-water wetlands throughout the Central Region of the state, focusing on invasive aquatic plant or animal species prevention and management activities of DNR programs. The incumbent will collect and process plant and animal specimens, enter data from field surveys into relevant databases, write reports, create maps and assist the Invasive Species Specialists with permits related to invasive aquatic plant management or prevention. The incumbent will provide technical expertise on Minnesota's invasive aquatic plant and animal species through various trainings, responding to data requests, and outreach events.


Responsibilities include:



Provide regulatory support for the AIS program so that native species and their habitats are protected and management, transfer, and use of invasive species is controlled through the issuance of permits.
Monitor and document populations of selected aquatic invasive species in the district so that data is stored in a central database for use in program reports.
Manage populations of selected harmful invasive species so that the spread of these species can be prevented or slowed and that the impact of those species on water recreation, industry, and natural ecosystems is reduced.
Prepare and deliver invasive species information to educate and inform the public so that they may help prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species.

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 an annual telework agreement.





Qualifications



Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in the natural sciences or closely related field.
Two (2) years of related professional level experience in conducting biological surveys in aquatic habitats or working with invasive species . An advanced degree in a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience
Knowledge of plant field survey techniques, and ability to identify aquatic plant and invasive invertebrate species found in Minnesota.
SCUBA certification.
Understanding of the ecology of Minnesota's natural ecosystems, with particular emphasis on aquatic ecology and the impacts caused by invasive species.
Ability to conduct field surveys of aquatic plants and animals independently or with others using appropriate protocols, sometimes under adverse weather conditions.
Ability to compile, summarize, evaluate and interpret field data so that information can be used in the production of final reports and maps.
Organizational skills sufficient to meet permit processing requirements and prioritize work.
Interpersonal and communications skills sufficient to interact with the public, local units of government and internal staff concerning invasive species prevention and management
Ability to effectively teach, develop and give presentations to diverse audience including youth, outreach events in the community and staff.
Experience with personal computers, including demonstrated competence in word processing, spreadsheets, statistical software, and Geographic Information Systems, particularly ArcGISPro.
Demonstrated technical writing skills sufficient to prepare and disseminate information to a variety of audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in the natural sciences or closely related field.
At least one (1) year of professional experience in aquatic invasive species field surveys.
At least one (1) year of professional experience designing and implementing surveys of aquatic plants.
Knowledge of taxonomic keys to aquatic plants.
Lead worker experience.
Applied knowledge with Aquatic and Terrestrial Invasive Species Laws and Rules.
Experience with data management and analysis.
Experience with File-maker GO and Arc Collector.
Ability to launch and drive a boat independently and navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, and GPS equipment.

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 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




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 Megan Moore at megan.moore@state.mn.us or 651-299-4024.


If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@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.