Job Description

Full job description

Job Details

Working Title: Pollinator Conservation Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist - Wildlife

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID : 80875
• Location : Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible : No
• Full/Part Time : Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary : Limited
• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted : 10/10/2024
• Closing Date : 10/16/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
• Division/Unit : Conservation / Conservation Education Nature
• Work Shift/Work Hours : 8:30 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : No
• Salary Range: $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,988 - $73,977 / annually
• Classified Status : Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• End Date : 12/31/2025
• FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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 is responsible for implementing ex situ and in situ conservation activities associated with the Zoo’s Pollinator Conservation Initiative, including care of and data collection on all life stages of imperiled pollinators, care of host and nectar plants, and field-based surveys and sampling. This position also conducts research to inform and improve the conservation of imperiled pollinators in Minnesota and across the Upper Midwest. The incumbent serves as a key support member for the Zoo’s Pollinator Conservation Initiative.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Implement ex situ and in situ conservation activities to improve the conservation of imperiled prairie pollinators in the Midwest.
• Under the supervision of the Director of Conservation and Research and with additional guidance from Pollinator Conservation Initiative staff, conduct research to inform conservation and management activities targeting imperiled prairie butterflies.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and its projects.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position. To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• One (1) year of professional experience conducting wildlife conservation-focused ex situ or in situ work.*

• Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or closely related field may substitute for six (6) months of experience. Transcripts will be requested if invited to interview.

• Professional experience conducting husbandry of imperiled butterflies.
• Knowledge of basic principles of ecology / wildlife biology, study design, and data analysis.
• Written communication skills sufficient to prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in the peer-reviewed literature as well as text appropriate for less technical audiences.
• Oral communication skills sufficient to create and deliver high-quality, audience-appropriate presentations to scientific and general audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint sufficient to prepare and review written communications, enter, organize, and plot data, and prepare / deliver engaging presentations.
• Possession of current and valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Wildlife Management, or closely related field.
• Six (6) months’ experience conducting conservation-centric husbandry and research on Poweshiek skipperlings and Dakota skippers, two federally listed species of butterflies maintained by the Zoo.
• Proficiency with R statistical software (or similar software packages) sufficient to compile, summarize, plot, and analyze data using appropriate statistical approaches.
• Proficiency with Geographic Information Systems software sufficient to analyze and interpret spatial data.
• Experience in empirical research design and methodology sufficient to plan high-quality conservation research projects.
• Experience coordinating with external partners to advance conservation objectives.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate a vehicle and sit in a vehicle for up multiple hours per day, sometimes on rough or slippery terrain, and potentially during inclement weather.
• Ability to work on uneven, uphill, downhill, and slippery surfaces, traveling long distances, through rough terrain, during inclement weather, and in potentially extreme temperatures.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including backpacking for multiple miles.
• Visual acuity sufficient to read a computer screen, safely drive on a highway, judge distance, and navigate indoor and outdoor environments that may contain hazards and obstacles.
• Ability to view a computer screen and operate a computer for up to 8 hours per day.
• Ability to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, walk, run, jump, push, pull, lift, stand still, and sit still.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to manipulate small items/objects.

Additional Requirements

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.

It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo 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 including fingerprinting
• 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

State of Minnesota is unable to sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Cyndee Robinson at cyndee.robinson@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife . Cutting-edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

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.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Local area, Remote job, Outdoor, Work visa, Long distance, Shift work, Monday to Friday,

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