Deer Coordinator (Natural Resources Program Coordinator)
Position Overview
This position will assist in the collection and dissemination of data;the development of regulations, legislative proposals, and strategic plans;provide consultation and coordination to land and wildlife managers, tribal biologists, researchers, and enforcement officers;serve as a liaison with other agencies and groups;and provide information and education to the public. The Deer Coordinator may assist with development of big game program related content for the public and serve as a spokesperson and subject matter expert for the Big Game Program. The position is embedded within the Wildlife Populations and Regulations Unit of the Fish and Wildlife Division at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources agency. Deer are a popular game species in Minnesota and positions within the big game unit tend to have high levels of public, media, and legislative interest.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include: • Assist the Big Game Program Supervisor in administration of big game seasons and regulatory process so that seasons are supported by enforceable rules and so that populations are sustained at appropriate levels. Assist Big Game Program Supervisor in harvest reporting, big game related webpage content, and regulations booklet development. • Assist with implementation of the Minnesota White-tailed Deer Management Plan, the 2016 Office of Legislative Auditors (OLA) evaluation of Minnesota deer population management, and the 2019 Chronic Wasting Disease Management Plan. • Assist with big game stakeholder input needs, including the Deer Advisory Committee, and serve as big game program subject matter expert and spokesperson for the DNR on big game program related issues.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, or closely related field. • Three (3) years of professional experience in assessing biological or human dimensions data to coordinate and/or develop recommendations for the management of wildlife populations. • Human relations skills sufficient to coordinate and achieve cooperation with the public, peers, and staff. • Skills to direct colleagues and teams;plan, manage, and implement projects and programs with tight deadlines. • Skills to effectively communicate with others, using appropriate style as necessary to further program objectives when not all staff or stakeholders are supportive. • Oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences including the public, colleagues, and superiors. • Ability to work with others to achieve a common objective, including conflict resolution skills. • Database management skills sufficient to manipulate, analyze, and develop databases for biological and human dimensions data related to the big game program. Preferred Qualifications • Master's degree in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, public health, or closely related field. • Experience in state, federal, or tribal wildlife agency collecting and assessing biological and human dimensions data to develop management and/or regulatory recommendations for cervid populations. • Experience with high profile and controversial big game management issues. • Extensive knowledge of white-tailed deer, elk, and moose population biology, natural history, and management issues in North America. • Experience coordinating projects with state agency or other organizational staff. • Experience with media interviews, public and staff presentations, and communicating with public about controversial topics. Additional Requirements This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record;per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency. Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
Preferred Level of Education
Master's degree in wildlife science, natural resources, conservation biology, ecology, biology, public health, or closely related field.
Benefits Offered
https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits/
Compensation/Salary
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly;$67,651 - $99,722 / annually
How to Apply
Please visit the State of Minnesota careers website to apply for this position and search for the job title "Deer Coordinator". The position is also listed under Job ID #91616 If you have questions about this position, contact Barbara Keller at Barbara.Keller@state.mn.us or 651-259-5198. 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.
Application deadline: March 17, 2026
Equal Employment Opportunity
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.