Listed Species Program Coordinator

This position exists to coordinate and implement the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) statutory requirements and internal policies related to state and federally protected species. This includes coordinating the development of internal DNR policies related to protected species management; coordinating regulatory and policy initiatives related to Minnesota’s Endangered Species Statute and Rules; providing administrative, record keeping, mitigation fund management, and other support related to the issuance of state research, education, take, and other related permits for state and federally endangered and threatened species; assisting with coordination efforts with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and compliance with the federal Endangered Species Act; managing state and federally protected species information and data; and developing continuous improvement strategies for the Protected Species Program. Primary responsibilities include coordinating the following:

• The development and implementation of internal DNR policies and initiatives related to protected species management and conservation.
• The DNR’s statutory, rulemaking, and permitting responsibilities for identifying, listing, and conserving protected species.
• Interdisciplinary efforts related to DNR’s involvement in the conservation and recovery of species protected by the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA).

This position may be eligible to telework on a full or part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, biology, botany, conservation biology, natural resources management, environmental studies, or closely related field.
• Three years of professional experience in natural resource project management, threatened and endangered species permitting/coordination/management, natural resource policy development, or closely related field.
• Thorough knowledge of project management and project team coordination principles, techniques, and tools sufficient to lead projects, ensure timely completion of deliverables, organize team structures, and implement new initiatives or programs.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, including Minnesota’s Endangered Species Statute and Rules and the Federal Endangered Species Act.
• Basic knowledge of fisheries, silviculture/forest management, recreation management, agriculture, and other land and water uses.
• Excellent writing and communication skills sufficient to prepare and present information and guidance/policies (such as legislative briefings, policy statements, funding proposals, briefings, budget reports, etc.) for a variety of audiences in a coherent, objective, and technically sound manner.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience with facilitation, conflict resolution, and collaborative decision-making strategies.
• Coaching, collaboration, negotiation, and team building skills sufficient to effectively work with diverse interests, gain cooperation for new approaches/ideas, and explain/resolve complex program problems with internal/external partners.
• Proficiency in personal computers, particularly in using word processing, spreadsheets, database, and mapping software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Basic knowledge or experience with using the DNR’s Natural Heritage Information System (or similar).
• Experience in coordinating on initiatives, projects, and/or permits involving the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
• Experience in applying structured decision-making concepts for natural resource management decisions.
• Experience in managing a project or program budget.
• Experience in writing grant applications.
• A basic knowledge of administrative procedures related to state rulemaking and state legislative process.