A professional who directs conservation of natural resources within state and negotiates with interested parties to promote maximum utilization of resources consistent with public interest. Responsibilities include:

• Initiates conservation programs according to accepted principles and familiarity with characteristics of natural resources and economy of state.
• Establishes standards for resource depletion, such as annual oil production quotas or limitations on extraction of iron ore deposits.
• Negotiates with mining interests, petroleum production companies, and other parties to promote conservation principles, encourage technological advancement, and stimulate efficient exploitation of resources.
• Delivers speeches and participates in discussions with representatives of government, labor, and industry to resolve problems related to conservation and economic development.
• Participates in establishment and implementation of rehabilitation programs for workers affected by changing technology or loss of markets.
• Supervises and coordinates, through subordinates, activities of workers engaged in preparing reports, statistics, and other data on departmental activities.
• May be designated according to resource involved as Commissioner, Iron Range Resources And Rehabilitation.