**Working Title: Seasonal Botanist** **Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Ecological Services** **Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources** + **Job ID** : 84307 + **Location** : St. Paul + **Telework Eligible** : No + **Full/Part Time** : Full-Time + **Regular/Temporary** : Limited + **Who May Apply** : Open to all qualified job seekers + **Date Posted** : 2/21/2025 + **Closing Date** : 3/14/2025 + **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : Department of Natural Resources + **Division/Unit** : Ecological & Water Resources + **Work Shift/Work Hours** : Day Shift + **Days of Work** : Monday - Friday + **Travel Required** : Yes, extensive travel statewide. + **Salary Range:** $24.42 - $35.43 / hourly; $50,988 - $73,977 / annually + **Classified Status** : Unclassified + **Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE + **End Date** : 9/30/2025 + **FLSA Status** : Exempt - Professional + Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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. **This posting is intended to fill up to three vacant positions. These positions are temporary from approximately May - September 2025.** This position exists to collaboratively collect and enter data on native plant communities as part of statewide ecological monitoring activities of the Minnesota Biological Survey (MBS). Job responsibilities include: + Assist Project and Team leads with preparation for assigned tasks related to monitoring projects so that high quality data are collected at monitoring sites. + To assist in executing monitoring efforts so that high quality data on plant species and other biotic and abiotic components of the environment are collected according to the monitoring protocol. + To assist with the identification of plants collected from the field so that herbarium labels can be processed and the correct plant names can be entered into databases, and to enter field data into relevant databases, if time permits, so the data are available for analyses. + Identifying plants that occur within the statewide monitoring plots. The incumbent will be a part of a team conducting field work for the majority of their time. Field conditions will include working in full sun, wetlands or other wet habitats, high heat and humidity, wind and rain, and among biting insects. Long hikes carrying a full pack (occasionally canoes/kayaks) are regularly required to reach field sites. The incumbent will be in travel status for the majority of their time. Trips are typically organized into 7–10 days of consecutive field work followed by 2-4 days off work. These trips will include working over weekends and holidays. Requests for specific days off will be considered but cannot be guaranteed. Travel costs are covered by DNR. The incumbent will regularly work 10-14-hour field days. The first and last day of each trip may be especially long to accommodate travel time. The incumbent may be required to report to work as early as 6am and not leave work until as late as 10pm. **Minimum Qualifications** + Bachelor’s degree in an ecological field of study such as ecology, plant ecology, forest ecology or a related field, OR - A minimum of one growing season (3-4 months during approx. May-Sept) of outdoor field experience in plant ecology within the natural habitats of MN or the upper Midwest that included using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species. + Knowledge of the ecology of Minnesota's natural ecosystems, with emphasis on forested systems, plant ecology and/or plant taxonomy. + Ability to identify tree species native to MN (must satisfactorily pass an identification exam of native trees). + Experience collecting and pressing plant specimens for long-term preservation. + Experience with geographic information systems (e.g. ArcGIS) software. + Experience with word processing and spreadsheet software programs. + Ability to navigate in remote areas using a compass, maps, and GPS equipment. + Ability to maintain positive working relationships in an outdoor field setting, which frequently includes long distance travel by vehicle and often hiking or paddling long distances and working in rugged, uneven terrain, sometimes in wetlands and/or adverse weather conditions. **Preferred Qualifications** + Three growing seasons (9-12 months during approx. May-Sept) of outdoor field experience in plant ecological work within the natural habitats of MN or the upper Midwest that included using taxonomic keys to identify plants to species. + Experience using the Minnesota DNR’s Native Plant Community Classification system to determine classification for natural habitats in MN. + Accessioned 10 plant specimens into an herbarium (including collecting, identifying and pressing). + Ability to accurately recording data into electronic data entry applications (e.g. Survey123). + Experience using submeter GPS/GNSS devices (e.g., Trimble R1, Trimble R2, Juniper Geode) to collect data. **Additional Requirements** This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. 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 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 AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status. Reasonable accommodations will be made 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 . Please indicate what assistance is needed.