Waterfowl Bander - NR Tech

Working Title: Waterfowl Bander

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 93839
• Location: Bemidji
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Seasonal
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/28/2026
• Closing Date: 05/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $21.36 - $29.68 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Bemidji Region
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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.

The Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking multiple seasonal Waterfowl Technician - Duck Bander in Bemidji, MN.

This position will be responsible for the capture of waterfowl via night-lighting in north central, west-central, and northwestern Minnesota in July and August. In September, primary duties will be to assist with rocket netting of ducks in northwestern Minnesota. The technician will identify, age, sex, band, humanely handle waterfowl, attach leg bands to waterfowl, accurately record and enter data, write project summaries, operate and maintain field equipment, assist with other natural resource research projects as needed, contact and communicate with private landowners, and interact with the public and coworkers in a professional manner.

Normal anticipated season dates are from approximately Mid - June through September 29th. This position will perform fieldwork that consists of variable workdays, including some weekend hours and overnight work. From early-July until late-August, the technician will work overnight hours.

When in travel status away from Bemidji, lodging will be provided and meals will be reimbursed.

Minimum Qualifications

• A keen interest in waterfowl biology and ecology.
• Knowledge of ecology, wildlife biology, and waterfowl biology.
• Knowledge necessary for identification of wild ducks normally encountered in Minnesota, including the skills to differentiate waterfowl to age and sex based on plumage and skills to identify ducks at long distances.
• Knowledge of wetland habitats in Minnesota.
• Knowledge of techniques used to capture wild waterfowl.
• Experience safely operating and maintaining equipment, including small boats with outboard motors, trucks (4WD), trailers, and generators.
• Familiarity with use of field maps and GPS units for field navigation at or between study sites.
• Ability to work as part of a group or independently.
• Ability to wear waders and life jackets while walking in wetlands with unconsolidated bottoms for long hours.
• Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information and record field data.
• Ability to maintain accurate data records and field notes.
• Ability to communicate orally with individuals and small groups.
• Ability and willingness to collect biological data in the field responsibly and safely, often in wet environments and under challenging weather conditions (cold, heat, rain).
• Ability to construct, repair, and maintain trapping equipment.
• Ability to perform field work at night.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of waterfowl ecology for species commonly occurring in Minnesota.
• Knowledge of band recovery data and its usefulness.
• Knowledge of invasive species concerns for Minnesota lakes, and skill in keeping equipment free of aquatic invasive species.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology, wetland ecology, or a related field.
• Skills and experience necessary to be added to MN DNR’s banding permit as a sub-permittee.
• Experience handling wild animals for marking purposes, especially experience banding migratory birds.
• Experience identifying waterfowl to species, age, and sex; including identification of female ducks, male ducks in eclipse plumage, ducklings in downy plumage, and waterfowl at long distances.
• Experience using GPS units, maps, landmarks, and compasses for navigation in remote areas and at night.
• Experience interacting with private landowners.
• Experience with word processing, data entry (Microsoft Excel), and GIS programs.
• Experience safely operating multiple types of small boats including sport boats, canoes, and jon boats with small outboard motors or mud motors including operation at night, in shallow, and/or heavily vegetated waters.
• Experience safely setting up and using rocket nets to capture waterfowl.
• Writing skills sufficient to communicate technical information and record field data.

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

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Bruce Davis at [email protected].

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. 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 Jordan Krueger at [email protected].

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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.