AIS Specialist, Minnesota DNR
Salary Range: $29.25 – $ 42.94/ hourly; $61,074- $89,659 / annually
Job Summary
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to hire an Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist in St. Paul, MN. This Specialist will serve to provide planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Invasive Species Program prevention and management activities within the assigned region. In addition, this position will provide technical assistance to DNR programs and staff whose work responsibilities involve invasive species prevention and management activities.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Administer Invasive Aquatic Plant Management Permits, Prohibited and Regulated Aquatic Invasive Species and Infested Water Permits to support the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program goals through the issuance of permits.
- Coordinate, implement, and evaluate invasive species management, prevention and regulatory activities related to Minnesota’s Aquatic Invasive Species Statute and Rules within assigned counties.
- Manage and inventory invasive species data and utilizes the best science to evaluate prevention and management outcomes for the Invasive Species Program.
- Implement internal DNR policies and initiatives related to the DNR’s statutory responsibilities for identifying, listing, and managing invasive aquatic species.
- Serve as a technical expert of aquatic invasive species by providing technical and regulatory assistance to both internal staff and external partners.
- Implement the District’s AIS functions, in collaboration with the other District Invasive Species Specialist.
- Provide direction and coordination for program administration to assigned interns or staff.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.
- Posted: January 27, 2026
- Job Type: Staff
- Application deadline (expired): 02/04/2026
- Organization: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
- Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree Ecology, Biology, Aquatic Biology, Botany, or closely related field with coursework in aquatic sciences, plant biology and ecology. Three years professional experience designing and implementing (including data management and analysis) biological assessments and habitat management actions benefiting aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems. Advanced degree in a field listed above may substitute one year of experience. Experience in operating a watercraft and navigating a waterbody using GPS equipment. Knowledge of aquatic plant field survey techniques and plant specimen preparation and preservation methods. Knowledge of aquatic plant management techniques along with the ability to plan, organize, implement, and evaluate control activities in Minnesota and their impacts. Ability to identify aquatic invasive species and native aquatic plants found in Minnesota. Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, in particular, ArcView/ArcGIS sufficient to perform spatial analyses and create map products. Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance, training and to achieve cooperation and collaboration with clients, peers, and staff. Technical writing skills sufficient to author and disseminate survey results to a variety of audiences. Skills in data management and analysis sufficient to use statistical software and or relational databases to analyze data and report results Ability to effectively manage and prioritize a large and multifaceted workload and carry multiple projects through to completion. Excellent communication skills, comfortable presenting in public and ability to work well with traditional media and social media to reach the public with conservation messages. Skills in word processing, and in the use of spreadsheets, and relational databases to enter, manipulate and report data. Preferred Qualifications Advanced degree in Aquatic Biology/Ecology or a closely related field. Knowledge of the DNR’s organizational structure is desirable. Supervisory and/or lead worker experience. Knowledgeable of aquatic pesticides and understanding of state and federal pesticide laws in Minnesota. Working knowledge of state invasive species laws and rules, as well as other state and federal resource management agencies, local governmental units, and their respective authority, programs and responsibilities that pertain to land and water resource management. Ability to incorporate considerable knowledge and analyze complex resource management issues to determine an appropriate course of action. Previous natural resource permitting or regulatory experience. Experience using Arc Collector or a comparable data collection application. Self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) certification.
- How to apply: External candidates can apply online on the State Careers web site at http://www.mn.gov/careers/ to job ID 91256 (Saint Paul) and/or 91378 (Sauk Rapids). Contact megan.moore@state.mn.us (Saint Paul) and/or christine.hokkala-kuhns@state.mn.us (Sauk Rapids) with questions about the position(s).
- Location: Saint Paul or Sauk Rapids, MI
- Web address: https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/search-for-jobs/
Contact Information
Megan Moore or Christine Hokkala-Kuhns