For nearly 10 years, Lou Cornicelli was in the hot seat.
As Department of Natural Resources big game coordinator, Cornicelli steered deer management decisions affecting 500,000 deer hunters, many with divergent opinions. The job -- among the most visible at the DNR -- is a lightning rod for controversy.
"You have to have a thick skin," Cornicelli said. "You get criticized. But you can't satisfy everyone."
Cornicelli, 46, who grew up on Long Island, N.Y., was promoted to wildlife research manager 14 months ago, but has continued to help handle deer issues while DNR officials sought a replacement. That process has been hindered by a struggling economy and housing market -- and a salary that is below what other states pay their big game coordinators.
Last year, an out-of-state candidate eventually turned the job down because his wife couldn't find a job in the Twin Cities, Cornicelli said. But Steve Merchant, DNR acting wildlife chief, said he recently made a job offer to an internal candidate, who has accepted the job. Merchant said Tuesday that he's not ready to name that person, who could start work next month.
"It's a critically important job," he said. "They are definitely in the bright lights."
Merchant and Cornicelli said the pay, which ranges from about $51,000 to $76,000, depending on qualifications and experience, contributed to the long hiring delay.
"I know at least anecdotally that our salaries are not as competitive as they once were," Merchant said.