Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Today in honor of the last day of Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting three amazing women who bring a unique perspective and passion to their roles as naturalists with the Minnesota DNR – helping visitors connect with our beautiful outdoor landscapes and encouraging stewardship of Minnesota state parks every day. 🏞️ Jenni Webster – As an Interpretive Naturalist at Interstate State Park, Jenni has been inspiring park visitors for over 15 years. From preschool storytimes to camper programs, group hikes, and more, Jenni creates memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression. Her passion for nature shines through every program she leads, with the most rewarding moments being any time she hears a student say: “this is the best fieldtrip ever!” 🌾 Dora O’Brien – DNR Park Naturalist Dora O’Brien’s job is all about finding adventurous, creative and fun ways to engage park visitors. With a lifelong love for the outdoors, Dora loves seeing how each person she interacts with has a different connection to our state parks and a unique perspective of the natural world. Dora’s favorite outdoor spot? Minnesota’s prairies! She loves the variety of colors, sounds, and wildlife you can find while exploring the different types of grass. 🌳 Elizabeth Nelson – Elizabeth’s childhood visit to Whitewater State Park inspired her to pursue a career as a naturalist. Now, as an Interpretive Naturalist at William O’Brien State Park, she brings her love for wildlife, geology, and history to every program she leads. Whether it’s leading programs for large school groups or introducing retirees to new outdoor hobbies, Elizabeth describes her job as a naturalist as being “the voice to the park.” “We are the educators and the link between the park and the visitors,” she explains. These women represent the dedication, passion, and curiosity that drive the work we do at the Minnesota DNR. If you’re inspired by their stories and want to learn more about these types of careers, visit mndnr.gov/careers for more information! #WomensHistoryMonth #TrailblazingWomen #MNOutdoors

A request for proposals closes at 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 4 for $20 million available for restoration and recreation projects in the Twin Cities east metropolitan area and in downstream areas of the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers that have been affected by Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) released by 3M. Applications will be considered from local units of government, non-profit organizations, watershed districts, federal/state agencies, Tribes, and schools. Find out more here: mndnr.gov/3mp2

The Nongame Wildlife Program has been protecting Minnesota’s at-risk species for over forty-five years. We restore declining wildlife populations, enhance their habitat, and engage and educate Minnesotans. Our successes include restoring the bald eagle and trumpeter swan to flourishing populations, but our state has over 300 wildlife species that need our help. Learn more at mndnr.gov/donate.

Minnesota’s extensive system of state public water accesses (PWAs) need special care to ensure world-class recreational opportunities for future generations. That’s why enhancing fishing infrastructure and modernizing boating access are some of the key areas of Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments. $35 million in investments will enable the DNR to update more than 100 PWAs to be more accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercrafts, improve protection of public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and enhance climate resilience. Projects include: 💧$30 million for 40 to 60 large-scale projects, such as enhanced accessible features, stormwater improvements, aquatic invasive species prevention, healthy shorelines and accessible ramps for non-motorized boats. 💧$5 million for 75-125 small-scale projects, including longer boat ramps, wider drive lanes, wider and longer parking stalls and improved stormwater treatment. Learn more about other improvements the Get Out MORE investments are helping us make here: mndnr.gov/get-out-more #GetOutMOREMN

The DNR is looking to hire wildland firefighters to join our wildfire response team! Join our crew of dedicated, hardworking individuals to serve our community and take on meaningful and challenging work across the state. We are currently looking for Wildfire Response Leads, Smokechasers, Airtanker Base Leads and Airtanker Base Crew Members. ✅ Wildfire Response Lead: These are full-time, seasonal jobs available in Eveleth, Grand Rapids, Cambridge, Aitkin, Backus, Cloquet, Effie, Floodwood, Side Lake, & Tower. Must be an NWCG Firefighter Type 2 and have either two months' wildland firefighting experience or an associate degree with emphasis in wildland firefighting. Starting pay is $20.21 per hour. For more information and to apply, search Job ID 84609 at mn.gov/careers. Applications close March 28th. ✅ Smokechaser: These are seasonal, call-when-needed jobs with flexible scheduling. No experience is necessary, and training is provided. Pay is based on experience and qualifications. There are Smokechaser jobs available throughout the state. Send a message to Austin Dane at austin.dane@state.mn.us if you’d like to be connected to opportunities in your local area. ✅ Airtanker Base Lead: These are full-time, seasonal jobs available in Brainerd, Bemidji, and Hibbing. Must be an NWCG Retardant Crewmember Trainee or Fixed Wing Parking Tender Trainee and have either two months' wildland firefighting experience or an associate degree with emphasis in wildland firefighting. Starting pay is $20.21 per hour. For more information and to apply, search Job ID 84701 at mn.gov/careers. Applications close March 28th. ✅ Airtanker Base Crew Member: These are seasonal, call-when-needed jobs with flexible scheduling. No experience is necessary, and training is provided. Pay is based on experience and qualifications. Openings are available in Bemidji, Brainerd and Hibbing. More information can be found by calling or emailing Matt Woodwick at 218-322-2726 / matthew.woodwick@state.mn.us There are additional required trainings necessary to become a wildland firefighter in addition to a physical fitness test. For more information, go to https://lnkd.in/gC5Dh5VT.

We're Hiring! 🚨 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for a motivated Engineer Senior or Engineer 2 Graduate to come join our team in this exciting new opportunity! The ideal candidate will design and oversee projects that support the state’s natural resources and outdoor spaces. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your project management skills, develop construction plans, and oversee field operations to ensure successful execution. You’ll work on a variety of projects, including infrastructure, trails, water control structures, and ecological restoration efforts across the state. Interested candidates should have: ·Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field (Engineer-Senior) ·Fundamentals of Engineering Certification (FE) (or able to obtain within one-year of hire) (Engineer 2 Graduate) ·Hands-on experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and hydrologic/hydraulic modeling ·Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple projects ·Practical experience in civil engineering design and project execution This role is eligible for telework options. The selected candidate will have the option to report to one of the following locations: Mankato, New Ulm or Hutchinson. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection. Does this sound like you (or someone you know)? APPLY now! SHARE with your network! Visit mn.gov/careers and search Job ID 84308 for details. Posting closes 3/26/25. #JobOpening #Hiring #MNJobs #Engineering

Do you have a forestry background and an interest in leadership? We want to hear from you! We're hiring a Forestry Supervisor that will lead work out of the area office in Little Falls, MN. This role includes supervising staff, overseeing key forestry programs, and managing the Area budget and administrative activities. The right candidate has strong skills in collaboration, cooperation and problem solving, and will represent the Division of Forestry to partner organizations, other agencies and the public. A beautiful and historic city, Little Falls is located in central Minnesota right along the Mississippi River. Interested? Visit mn.gov/careers and search for job ID 84485 to learn more and apply. This position is open through 3/24.

At the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show, you can expect to see exhibits about landscaping, saunas, flooring ... and the DNR? That’s right! We’re here to promote the use of Minnesota-grown wood and support local mills. With 17.6 million acres of forestland, most forest management in Minnesota happens through timber sales and harvests. Sustainable forest management and a strong forest products market go hand in hand, and help keep our forests healthy, resilient, and productive while supporting local communities. 🔎 Looking for a local mill? Check out this interactive map we’re showcasing at our booth: https://lnkd.in/gxSNyZA3 By choosing Minnesota wood, you’re supporting local businesses, sustainable forestry, and a thriving forest-based economy.

Thanks to funding from the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) investments, we are now expanding our track chair program from 13 to 22 chairs – adding nine additional chairs at state parks and recreation areas throughout the state! 👨🦼 With feedback from The Minnesota Council on Disability, The Great Plains ADA Center, Dovetail Trail Consulting, and local disability advocates, the DNR chose new sites where there are needs in the community, suitable trails, storage for equipment and charging locations. The chairs are free to use, and are adaptable for left-hand, right-hand or attendant control. To learn more about the track chair expansion and other accessibility projects through Get Out MORE, visit: mndnr.gov/get-out-more #GetOutMOREMN

Are you a strategic communicator who’s passionate about the outdoors, and looking to lead, develop, and execute projects with regional and statewide impact? We’re looking for a Regional Information Officer to join our team – if you’re located near New Ulm, MN, this could be the perfect opportunity for you! In this position, you’ll provide leadership, strategic direction, and overall guidance on a variety of communications, public relations, and outreach issues. As part of a collaborative team, you’ll also ensure that emergency operations are supported and facilitated by collecting, communicating, and reporting incident information to the appropriate administrative leadership and general public, in addition to serving as the regional communications coordinator in crisis situations as appropriate or assigned. Key responsibilities include: • Develop internal and external media content for multiple communication platforms and regional, divisional, and agency-wide customers that communicates agency priorities and enhances the end users' experience through informational and public relations efforts. • Develop and execute regional communication and outreach efforts that have regional and statewide impact and that support DNR’s strategies and initiatives. Lead statewide communications efforts for events and initiatives that originate or take place in the region. • Serve as the regional communication authority; provide media training and policy guidance for agency staff and the regional director in support of agency communication needs. Visit mn.gov/careers and type in job ID 84271 for more details on the position and to apply. Posting closes 3/13/2025.