Wildlife Action Plan Biometrician – Minnesota

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Agency

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Location

Minnesota - This position has teleworking opportunities which is subject to change.

Job Category

Full time Positions

Salary

$28.25 - $41.63/hourly; $58,986 - $86,923/annually

Start Date

04/13/2022

Last Date to Apply

01/18/2022

Website

http://www.mn.gov/careers

Description

This position exists to provide high-level technical research, monitoring, and survey project design and data analysis expertise to the Division of Ecological and Water Resources (EWR) Nongame Wildlife Program (NWP). The work supports the conservation of Minnesota Species in Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) as outlined in Minnesota’s Wildlife Action Plan 2015-2025. Duties Include: • Analyze existing data (internal or external to DNR) to determine more about species’ trends and likelihood of persistence over time. Identify for which SGCN species current data are sufficient to track trends in distribution and/or population levels. Work will initiate on birds and cycle through other major taxonomic groups. • Work with staff to design research frameworks and propose studies to answer questions about SGCN responses to habitat changes due to restoration, management actions, and climate change. The objective is to determine best habitat management practices to positively influence SGCN populations in the context of a changing environment. The work will inform larger scale future efforts for SGCNs, such as projects outlined in future grant proposals. • Advise and assist biologists seeking statistical advice. Advise on projects such as: sampling plans for surveys, monitoring, and research of SGCN species; research design to test important hypotheses; methodology to estimate population parameters with adequate precision; and use of techniques such as power analyses to optimize investment in future data collection. • Keep up-to-date on innovations in research, statistical modeling, population modelling, spatial analysis, and special techniques (such as environmental DNA) so that best practices may be applied in existing and future efforts. • Collaborate with other team members to effectively implement strategies and actions outlined in the Wildlife Action Plan and associated Nongame Wildlife Program planning documents. Within the team, take the lead for study design and statistical analysis. As appropriate, contribute to and/or lead writing of peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree wildlife, biology, ecology, biometrics/statistics, or closely related field. • 3 years of professional experience in scientific, experimental, research, monitoring, and survey techniques pertaining to natural resource conservation and management (post-undergraduate academic experience may be considered). • Advanced knowledge of statistical methods and analysis for assessing trends and habitat relationships as well as for developing and refining research, monitoring, and survey projects. Parametric and non-parametric analyses of animal population trend and habitat data is an example of advanced knowledge. • Experience in statistical analysis software and programming languages, such as JMP, SPSS, R, Python. • Experience with spatial statistics and spatial software, (ESRI GIS or equivalent). • Understanding of and ability to work in data management systems such as Microsoft Access, Oracle, and SQL databases. • Experience working with wildlife and habitat practitioners to apply statistics to inform adaptive management. • Strong teamwork and communication skills to enable successful collaborations with a variety of partners. • Project management skills to ensure that projects are completed in a timely way, and contracts and service level agreements are fulfilled; leadership skills and abilities to work collaboratively with other scientists and lead technical working groups. Preferred Qualifications • Advanced degree wildlife, biology, ecology, biometrics/statistics, or closely related field. • 3 years of experience in statistical analysis software and programming languages, such as JMP, SPSS, R, Python. • 3 peer-reviewed publications of statistical analysis of wildlife and/or ecological data, including trend and habitat analyses. Relevant statistical methods papers will be considered. • Experience working with ‘big data’ such as large nationally available datasets. • Demonstrated ability to communicate advanced statistical topics to lay audiences and assist colleagues in interpreting complex analysis and results. • Demonstrated ability and experience in collaborating with other scientists by designing studies and providing advice on study design. • Basic knowledge of project or grant-level budgeting, billing and contracting • Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program. Physical Requirements Very Light Work - occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Additional Requirements *This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record* It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components: • Employment Reference Check • SEMA4 Records Check • Criminal History Check • Education/license verification Apply by locating Job ID 51223 on the State of MN careers website http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact Person

[email protected]

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