Vegetation Specialist-Transp Prog Specialist 3

About the Job

Working Title: Vegetation Specialist

Job Class: Transportation Program Specialist 3

Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID : 86183

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 05/13/2025

• Closing Date : 05/23/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Transportation Dept / Transportation-MAPE

• Division/Unit : Environmental Services / Environmental Stewardship

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Occasional 20% of the time

• Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Nonexempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

This position is located at Central Office in St. Paul and may have the flexibility to telework, work a hybrid schedule, or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.

As a Roadside Vegetation Specialist, you will serve as a subject matter expert on vegetation concerns on MnDOT's roadsides and right-of-way. Your work will include analysis for, and providing recommendations to numerous organizations, offices, and individuals on best practices. In this work, you will be seen as one of MnDOT's experts on woody vegetation analysis, roadside vegetation management planning, and urban forestry and arboriculture issues. Roadside Vegetation Specialists are expected to be available for in-state travel approximately 20% of the time, including frequent long days in the field and occasional overnight travel.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Identifying and evaluating vegetation impacts of construction projects and permits.

• Recommending best-practices to MnDOT specifications and provisions regarding construction impacts to vegetation.

• Designing and implementing a system to inventory roadside vegetation and management plans.

MnDOT does not sponsor applicants for visas or Optional Practical Exam for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of professional experience in any combination of natural resources, forestry, or related experience.

A Bachelor's or Master's degree in a field related to natural resources such as ecology, wildlife, biology, botany, forestry, or closely related field may substitute for one year of professional experience.

The qualifying years of experience must also demonstrate:

• Experience collecting data using Global Positioning Systems and smartphone technologies;

• Experience creating maps and editing data in Geographic Information Systems (GIS);

• Experience with tree and shrub identification for species common to Minnesota and arboriculture practices for management in urban and rural settings;

• Experience with identification of weeds common to Minnesota and control using integrated vegetation management;

• Experience presenting technical information to all types of audiences;

• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture

• Experience with assessing urban trees for construction impacts and recommending removal or tree preservation methods;

• Familiar identifying rare plant species of Minnesota’s prairies and woodlands.

• Experience bringing together stakeholders to create a plan

Additional Requirements

Background check:

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS:

*Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check*

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

SEMA4 Records Check

Criminal History Check

Employment Reference Check

Education/License Verification

Drug testing (if needed)

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.