Fisheries Section Manager: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Section Working Title: Fisheries Section Manager 
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Manager
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 94485
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/01/2026
• Closing Date: 06/22/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife / F&W Director Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes; Occasional
• Salary Range: $47.38 – $68.02 / hourly; $98,929 – $142,025 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 – Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive
• 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.

Location: 500 Lafayette Rd. North, St. Paul, MN 55155

Job Summary

The DNR is seeking to hire one (1) Fisheries Section Manager at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.

This position directs the state-wide fisheries management section—covering research, habitat, field operations, and regulations—to ensure healthy fish populations and sustainable commercial/recreational fishing. As a key member of the Division of Fish and Wildlife Leadership Team, the incumbent manages personnel and budgetary resources to achieve strategic conservation goals.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide leadership to the Fisheries Section so that section staff understand their roles in the organization and that department, division, and section goals and objectives are met.
• Direct the statewide fisheries program so that department priorities and objectives are met in an effective and timely manner.
• Hire and supervise well-qualified staff to develop and implement programs and support division work and field operations.
• Direct the section budget so the financial needs of all fisheries programs are met.
• Manage the legislative activities of the Fisheries Section so Legislature has accurate and complete information about fisheries activities.
• Represent the department concerning fisheries matters with other states, federal agencies, Tribal governments, MN state agencies and multi-state compacts and commissions so there is an exchange of information, programs are coordinated among jurisdictions and problems are resolved. Work with NGO partners, fishing industry representatives, lake associations and private citizens on fisheries management issues.
• Demonstrate commitment to the department’s safety culture by providing leadership and guidance to employees that encourages safe behavior in the workplace. Ensure a safe working environment for all employees.

This position will require the incumbent to occasionally travel in-state or nationally.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in fisheries biology, ecology, management or closely related area.
• Four (4) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising fisheries management or research sufficient to advise, monitor and support section operations.
• Experience directing and overseeing budgets, programs, projects, and the work of professional level staff.
• Experience in long range and strategic planning sufficient to develop operational and project plans.
• Organizational skills with the ability to maintain and prioritize workloads focusing on long-range issues and directions while meeting short-term operational demands and anticipating future expectations.
• Human relations and interpersonal skills sufficient to direct, develop and engage staff and form/maintain interdisciplinary partnerships and teams.
• Communication skills sufficient to accurately and effectively transmit information through verbal and written formats, and establish strong working relationships with DNR leadership, DNR staff, and other internal or external partners.
• Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions on policy/program direction, staff, budget, etc.
• Problem solving skills sufficient to define, understand, analyze, prioritize and recommend solutions to complex problems related to operations, policy and program priorities.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, organizations, boards, or councils.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of current conservations issues facing Minnesota natural resources.
• Knowledge and understanding of a wide variety of aquatic habitat management approaches such as restoration, enhancement, and protection in a collaborative environment involving multiple partners.
• Knowledge of comprehensive strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to direct and participate in the generation of strategic, species, habitat, unit and system plans.
• Knowledge of statutes, policies, and legislative processes.

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. 

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

Application Details

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 Pat Rivers at Pat.Rivers@state.mn.us or 651-259-5362.

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 Tava Cayo at tava.cayo@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.