Fisheries Specialist Intermediate – Windom MN: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Working Title: Area Fisheries Specialist – Intermediate
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Fisheries
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 94742
• Location: Windom
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/16/2026
• Closing Date: 07/06/2026
• 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: $26.89 – 39.22 / hourly; $56,146 – $81,891 / 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.

Office Location: 175 County Rd. 26, Windom, MN. 56101.

Job Summary

The Division of Fish and Wildlife is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Fisheries position located in Windom, Minnesota. This position functions as an assistant to the Area Fisheries Supervisor to design, implement, and evaluate fisheries management activities in the Windom Fisheries Management Area that result in optimum and sustained use of fisheries resources and that protect, sustain, and enhance fish communities and other aquatic resources. The Windom Fisheries Management Area encompasses all of Rock, Nobles, Jackson, Martin, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, and Watonwan counties along with the southern half of Lincoln and Lyon counties in southwestern Minnesota.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist the Area Supervisor in direction, administration and management functions. These functions include serving as day-to-day lead worker for professional (permanent) staff; functioning as the lead worker when the Area Supervisor is absent; completing administrative tasks as needed or directed.
• Design, implement and evaluate fisheries management plans and activities for all managed waters within the work area. To this end, implement a lake and stream investigation program so that biological, physical, and sociological information is obtained and reported. These investigations include biological lake and stream surveys, fish population assessments, water quality analyses, fish contaminant sample collection, creel surveys, electrofishing surveys and other special investigations.
• Further implement fisheries management plan operational objectives through scheduling and coordination of fish production and distribution operations for walleye, muskellunge, trout, and panfish species for area, regional, and statewide stocking needs.
• Participate in projects and work teams with regional and/or statewide significance as a representative of the Section of Fisheries to provide input and expertise that will help guide Section of Fisheries’ programs and decision making processes that support strategic conservation, recreational and economic opportunities.
• Monitor, protect and enhance fish communities and aquatic habitat within the work area through a variety of activities including acquisition, protection and restoration of aquatic habitats and their features. Conduct environmental reviews of public and private development and provide recommendations on permitted activities, best practices and mitigations. Direct commercial fish removal and private aquaculture activities and lake reclamation operations.
• Develop and conduct effective public relations, information and education programs to inform the public of fisheries operations and provide education about aquatic resources and habitat protection.
• Continually increase knowledge of fisheries science and management techniques through technical and professional training, and to serve on various regional and statewide committees. Exchange information with other fisheries professionals and/or resource managers so that applications of fisheries science and management are advanced.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries, or closely associated area is 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, for a total of 12 semester or 18 quarter hours. Of the 4 courses, at least 2 must be directly related to fisheries science, and at least 1 must cover principles of fisheries science and management.
• Other biological sciences courses that, when added to the preceding courses, 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 taken in communications intensive courses if officially designated as such by the university or college).

*To receive credit for coursework, letter grades awarded must be ‘C-‘ or higher.
**Certification by the American Fisheries Society as an Associate Fisheries Professional or a Certified Fisheries

Applicants must also demonstrate:

• Two (2) years of experience in fisheries management programs or fisheries research applying the principles and techniques of fisheries science. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. will substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Ability to maintain and safely operate equipment, such as boats, motors, trailers, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles, small engines, etc.
• Direct field experience working on lakes, reservoirs, rivers or streams including fish sampling from a boat.
• Interpersonal skills to effectively interact and communicate remotely and in person with staff and a diverse customer base interested or involved in resource management.
• Communication and writing skills sufficient to lead a fisheries survey team and create reports such as lake and creel surveys.
• Ability to work outdoors in adverse weather and environmental conditions on a frequent basis.
• Computer literacy, including knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, word processing, GIS and GPS.
• Knowledge of fisheries sampling techniques, fisheries science applications, fish handling, and distribution.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading and organizing the completion of fisheries investigative studies including creel surveys, and fish tagging studies including database management.
• Experience organizing and leading fish management, fish propagation, and/or fish research programs.
• Experience safely operating a watercraft on large bodies of water or rivers.
• Public speaking experience and/or human dimensions coursework.
• Experience maintaining sampling gear.
• Public speaking experience where technical material is presented to a lay audience.
• Experience analyzing data using various software and other fisheries survey analysis and tracking tools.
• Experience designing and maintaining databases.
• Familiarity with stream habitat and fish passage project techniques.
• Some familiarity with electric fish barrier and supporting components.

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 

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 Ryan Doorenbos at ryan.doorenbos@state.mn.us or 712-898-1568.

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.