At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: Equipment Operator
Job Class: Laborer Trades & Equipment
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 03/30/2023
• Closing Date: 04/19/2023
• 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: No
• Salary Range: $23.19 - $26.75 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
• Work Area: Roseau River Wildlife Management Area
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The DNR is currently seeking a seasonal, full-time Equipment Operator position in Roseau, MN. Normal anticipated season dates are mid-April through November each calendar year.

This position exists to provide the specialized agricultural and heavy equipment operation and labor skills necessary to assist with construction, restoration, and enhancement projects on wildlife management areas and other public lands throughout the Roseau River Wildlife Work Area, serving the surrounding area offices of Roseau River WMA encompassing Roseau County.

This position specializes in habitat and facility management work on agricultural lands as well as prairie, wetland, brushland, and forest habitats. Activities include but are not limited to: food plot development; prescribed burning; fire break construction; prairie and brushland enhancement, and management; wetland development, enhancement and management; woody vegetation removal; forest stand management; conservation grazing infrastructure construction; facility and access development and maintenance; boundary development; site cleanup; maintaining and repairing DNR owned buildings along with the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to accomplish these activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge in methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in native habitat development, trades work, farming practices, and general construction.
• Ability and skills to safely operate medium and heavy motorized equipment (e.g., medium pickup - F550 or equivalent) with trailer, dump trucks, farm tractors with loader, tracked skid steers, trucks and trailers, watercraft, dozers, amphibious and terrestrial tracked crawlers, and front-end loaders.
• Ability and skills to safely operate and maintain power and hand tools, including chain saws, brush saws, air compressors, carpentry tools, and other equipment/tools as assigned.
• Ability to service, perform minor repairs, and make adjustments to tools and equipment.
• Ability to become National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Fight Type 2 (FFT2) qualified through completing required coursework and field training within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to understand and follow directions sufficient to interpret, communicate, and carry out assignments, safely, and efficiently.
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity test, moderate level (physical ability), as a condition of employment.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and independently solve problems as they arise.
• Ability to communicate orally with colleagues.

• Ability to solve problems, make decisions, work safely, and effectively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current possession of a valid Class A Driver’s License (CDL).
• Knowledge of or experience in prairie, wetland, and forest habitat management and development techniques.
• Knowledge of prescribed fire techniques and operations.
• Qualified as a NWCG Fire Fighter Type 2 (FFT2) or higher.
• Two (2) years or more of experience in safe operation and maintenance of equipment such as trucks, trailers, dozers, tractors, skid steers, mowers, chainsaws, boats, ATV's, UTV’s, firefighting slip-on pumpers, and other related equipment.
• One (1) year or more experience in prescribed fire or wildfire suppression techniques and applications.
• Working knowledge of a variety of GPS units.

Physical Requirements

Requires transporting items of up to 100-pounds maximum with frequent transporting of up to 50-pounds (e.g., bags of seed), and regularly moving objects such as heavy tools, backpacks, field equipment, and file boxes. This job also requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve maintaining a stationary position most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. This job will require strenuous manual labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, moving, pushing, pulling, and ascending/descending, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. This job requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level).

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class A Driver's License with a clear driving record, in addition to passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program.

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:

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Randy Prachar at randy.prachar@state.mn.us or 218-452-7617.

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 Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.