Stream Habitat Supervisor

Working Title: Stream Habitat Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97833
• Location: Brainerd
• 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: 10/21/2026
• Closing Date: 11/10/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes – Occasional travel to meetings and site visits
• Salary Range: $38.83 – $55.93 / hourly; $81,007 – $116,782 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 – Middle Management Association
• 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: 1601 Minnesota Drive, Brainerd, MN 56401

Job Summary

The Minnesota DNR is looking for a State Program Administrator Director to lead statewide efforts to improve stream habitat and support salmonid management. Based in Brainerd, this position provides an opportunity to lead talented staff, guide important habitat projects, and help protect and improve Minnesota’s streams for the future.

In this role, you’ll set program priorities, manage dedicated and federal funding, develop policies and legislative proposals, and work with partner agencies, organizations, and the public to advance stream habitat conservation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead statewide salmonid management by directing and coordinating program activities and priorities.
• Advance stream habitat and dam projects by overseeing cold-, cool-, and warm-water stream habitat improvement, along with dam removal and modification projects, to ensure work is completed efficiently and supports sound biological outcomes.
• Manage statewide habitat improvement projects by serving as the principal investigator and project leader, ensuring projects meet established goals and follow funding requirements and guidelines, including those of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC).
• Lead and support staff by providing supervision, managing budgets and administrative functions, and building a skilled, motivated team that delivers results.
• Build partnerships and advance program goals by working with other agencies and organizations, developing regulations and legislative proposals, managing program funding, and sharing information with the public.

This position offers a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible for part-time telework, subject to change based on business needs. If approved for telework, the employee will be required to complete a telework agreement and report to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, fisheries, or closely related field.
• Four years of professional experience in fisheries biology and management, including knowledge of fish populations, fish health, aquatic biology and ecology, fish species, limnology, statistics, stream morphology, and stream habitat improvement techniques. This experience should support the direction of statewide stream habitat, trout, and salmon management projects.
• Experience using databases, spreadsheets and word processing software.
• Ability to communicate effectively, coordinate projects, solve problems, and build partnerships with diverse groups to achieve shared conservation goals.
• Ability to motivate and guide staff, provide training, resolve conflicts constructively, build public support, and foster cooperation among employees, partners, and the public.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data, provide technical guidance throughout project planning and implementation, document results, and ensure projects meet established goals and funding requirements.
• Ability to establish clear goals and objectives that encourage meaningful participation from employees, community groups, stakeholders, and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in fisheries management, limnology, aquatic biology, or a closely related field.
• Experience applying watershed principles and stream fluvial geomorphology to stream ecology and health.
• Experience managing Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) appropriations.
• Knowledge of state legislative and rulemaking processes.
• Knowledge of geology, hydrology, and agriculture, including how these areas interact and affect watershed health.
• Knowledge of the Legacy Amendment and the LSOHC proposal process and funding guidelines.
• Knowledge of conservation easement stewardship.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people and navigate both routine and controversial issues involving watershed districts, local government units, and the public.
• Ability to apply technical expertise while considering social, political, and economic factors, and communicate technical decisions and recommendations clearly to colleagues, department leaders, legislators, and the public.

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 the position, contact Dean Paron at dean.paron@state.mn.us or 651-259-5205

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 Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@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.