Assistant Regional Fisheries Manager: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Working Title: Assistant Regional Fisheries Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 87702
• Location: New Ulm
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 07/22/2025
• Closing Date: 08/11/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $40.26 – $58.20 / hourly; $84,062 – $121,521 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 – Manager/Unrep
• 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 direct, manage, administer, and implement all Fisheries regional programs, policies, budgets, grants and operations for the Southern Region.  The position provides leadership for the Division as a member on the Division’s regional fisheries leadership team to develop and implement the Division’s and Department’s mission and vision.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage programs, policies, and strategies that address emerging natural resource-based opportunities and challenges as a member of the Regional Management Team (RMT) and other Department, Division or Section level teams and committees to achieve the Division’s and Department’s objectives.
• Provide program direction, priority setting, work planning, and strategic leadership for Division programs within the Region so organizational needs and program requirements are met. This includes Regional fisheries permitting programs such aquatic plant management, fishing tournaments, and aeration systems. Other programs include habitat improvement, land acquisition, shoreline restoration, cool water fish production and cool/cold water stocking, lake and stream surveys, and other fish management programs.
• Assess and measure (determine) the effectiveness of Department, Division, and Region policies, programs and processes to ensure the most efficient and effective use of the Division’s human and capital resources including developing and administering the Regional Fisheries budget so that dollars are spent in accordance with work plans and statutory guidelines.
• Provide leadership and supervision for Division and Regional staff through direct and indirect reports, ensuring that Department, Division, and Region programs are implemented and personnel time is effectively used.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with external constituents and stakeholders for awareness and understanding of Division goals and to understand stakeholder needs, desires and expectations.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries, Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries Management, or closely associated area required.
• Three (3) years of supervisory experience planning, leading, and directing professional fisheries management work at an area level; or five (5) years of advanced professional level experience directing natural resources management programs and demonstrated lead worker experience including planning, research and providing guidance to other professional fisheries staff.
• Knowledge of government budgeting and financial processes to ensure funds are properly administered, needs are accurately assessed and represented in the appropriate processes, expenditures of funds are appropriate, interpret budget reports, and articulate budget proposals.
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to participate in the development of unit plans, evaluate recommendations and explain proposals, and report to staff, peers, and superiors.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders; experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners within the space of equity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of multi-disciplined interests into decisions and actions.
• Skills in conflict resolution and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
• Management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make challenging decisions.
• Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate and present complex information to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to create a respect- and safety-focused culture that empowers staff to carry out the Department’s mission and fosters an environment of positive accountability for performance.
• DNR is dedicated to being a culturally competent department that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work with multicultural communities and champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Fisheries, Aquatic Sciences, Fisheries Management or closely related area.
• Experience establishing and promoting partnerships with constituents.
• Experience developing long-range strategies, and operational wildlife species and habitat management programs.
• A working knowledge of other disciplines such as fisheries, forestry, forest ecology, shallow lakes management, soil conservation, and hydrology to guide the development of partnerships and projects.

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. 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 Craig Soupir at craig.soupir@state.mn.us or 507-233-1217 (office) or 507-461-9377 (wireless).

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.