NR Spec Int Parks & Trails

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title: NR Spec Int Parks & Trails
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Intermediate Parks & Trails
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/22/2023
• Closing Date: 10/12/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Natural Resources Dept / Natural Resources-MAPE
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Reg 2 / PAT R2C Two Harbors Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $23.62 - $34.45 / hourly; $49,318 - $71,931 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The DNR is seeking to fill a permanent, full-time, NR Specialist Intermediate, Area Specialist position in Two Harbors, MN. Days of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This position exists to provide professional assistance in the management and operations of area 2C, state parks, trails, recreation areas, and outdoor recreation and natural resources management (RM) programs. Under limited supervision, the incumbent implements and administers programs, projects and activities by applying relevant theories and principles to Division policies and procedures. The incumbent functions as a lead worker, as assigned, but does not supervise staff.

Responsibilities include:

• To assist with land acquisition and management activities of the assigned Parks and Trails Area 2C so that work plans goals, policies, and procedures are fulfilled.
• Implement development work plans of the assigned Parks and Trails program so that work plan goals, policies, and procedures are followed and projects are completed according to specifications.
• To assist with the establishment of partnerships, with private citizens, private business, interest groups, local units of government, other governmental agencies and Department disciplines.
• To provide information and be the liaison between the local stakeholder groups and the DNR to address concerns and settle differences that may occur on current acquisition and development projects.
• Assist in all phases of planning from conceptual to operational for the assigned Parks and Trails project, so that work plans, policies and procedures are fulfilled.
• To actively seek and participate in professional development so that leadership and management skills are current with accepted standards.
• Provide staff support for land management activities pertaining to acquisition, development and management of projects and programs in Area 2C so that leases, easements, cooperative agreements, potential trespass, encroachments and illegal uses are identified and resolved.
• To perform duties, as assigned, so that DNR Parks and Trails program goals and objectives are advances.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associates degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or closely related field, and ONE YEAR experience involving outdoor recreation and/or natural resources facilities, projects or program responsibilities (e.g. trail, park, water access, campground or Natural Resources based recreation), including creating work plans and/or preparing reports, administering and/or supporting work that includes outdoor recreation and/or natural resources management programs, facilities or projects; administrative experience with budget and process management.

OR

• A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks and Recreation, Natural Science, Communications, Public Relations, Business Management, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science or closely related field will substitute for the above experience.

AND

• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.
• Communications skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses to individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.
• Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize work plans, reports and/or proposals using appropriate business language.
• Ability to use and understand computer and communication equipment sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and complete work effectively. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software
• Ability to navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment), and endure physical exertion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelor degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related degree
• Experience working with GPS, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing GIA data.
• Experience with waters permits, wetland permits, and US Army Corps of Engineers permits.
• Experience working with stakeholders on large development projects.
• Experience in project management, working with engineering plans, contractors and engineers on development projects.
• Experience in public water access, motorized trail, and non-motorized trail development.
• Experience prioritizing work and managing projects
• Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, writing articles and publications.
• Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other agencies.
• Experience and skill managing water access maintenance, water access operations, trail maintenance and trail operations.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record.

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.

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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Kevin Johnson at kevin.g.johnson@state.mn.us or 218-834-1431.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Erin Tappan at erin.tappan@state.mn.us .

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.