Invasive Species Pathways and Plans Coordinator - Planner Intermediate

Working Title: Invasive Species Pathways and Plans Coordinator

Job Class: Planner Intermediate

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97585
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/15/2026
• Closing Date: 11/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

The Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Full-Time Unlimited Invasive Species Pathways and Plans Coordinator - Planner Intermediate position located at our Central Office in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

This position supports the work of the DNR's Invasive Species Program, and the Division of Enforcement's invasive species work to address emerging pathways by which aquatic invasive species (AIS) may be introduced to or spread within Minnesota, including but not limited to trade in live organisms. This position will work to build Minnesota's capacity to effectively prevent and manage those pathways and represent Minnesota DNR in regional coordination efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species via such pathways. This position will also coordinate revision of the Minnesota State Management Plan for Invasive Species, response plans, and related efforts.

Responsibilities Include

• Pathway Prevention: Plan and implement activities to target emerging pathways of aquatic invasive species introduction to Minnesota, including trade in live organisms. Work with the DNR Division of Enforcement to identify opportunities to make the greatest impact on reducing the risk of organisms in trade and other pathways. For other pathways, employ a similar evidence-based approach and coordinate with other program staff to implement new initiatives to address those pathways.
• Pathway and Plan Coordination: Work closely with partners including neighboring jurisdictions, tribal entities, counties, research institutions and others to design and plan interjurisdictional initiatives to address emerging pathways for invasive species and to exercise plans such as the invasive species response plan.
• Plan Revision: Work closely with partners, especially Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council on regular revision of the Minnesota State Management Plan for Invasive Species. Coordinate also with other jurisdictions, Tribal governments, counties, research institutions and others in plan revision. Ensure timely review and revision as needed of other program plans such as response plans.
• Additional Tasks: Assist invasive species program staff with special projects and support grant reporting requirements as assigned.
  
  

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 an annual telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience in the areas of natural resource planning, natural resource management, natural resource enforcement, natural resources outreach, or invasive species prevention work.
• • A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology, natural resource management, ecology, zoology, environmental policy, planning, or related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, sufficient to represent the position and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner.
• Experience in project management, meeting facilitation, and planning.
• Ability to work professionally with internal and external partners and customers.
• Ability to manage long-term, complex projects and deliver products on a deadline.
• Collaborative skills to effectively work within an organization and with organizations and individuals, sufficient to resolve conflicts and to work with teams.
• Ability to perform, or experience performing, outreach related to natural resources.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology, natural resource management, ecology, zoology, environmental policy, planning, or related field
• Advanced degree(s) in biology, ecology, natural resource management, environmental studies, public policy and planning, or a related field.
• Training in meeting facilitation, planning methods, or behavior change strategies.
• Experience with natural resource policy, planning, or management in state, tribal, federal, or local units of government.
• Experience with aquatic invasive species prevention strategies and regulations in Minnesota.
• Experience working in industries involved in the trade of live organisms, for example, plant nurseries and retailers, pet and aquarium retailers, or live food retail or preparation.
• Experience designing and implementing successful outreach tools focused on motivating behavior change.
  
  

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are required.

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
  
  

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 http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Kelly Pennington at kelly.pennington@state.mn.us or 651-245-0859.

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.