Working Title: Parks and Trails Regional Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 83461
- Location: St. Paul, Bemidji
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 01/23/2025
- Closing Date: 02/12/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Considerable travel for meetings and field visits
- Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
- 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking two Regional Managers, one located in the Central Region and one in the Northwest Region. These positions exist to provide statewide leadership for the Division of Parks and Trails, by serving a broad range of staff and visitors so that the Division successfully encourages and provides nature-based outdoor recreation across all Division-run outdoor recreation units. The position integrates division and regional objectives with the department mission and vision by 1) creating and promoting a positive workplace culture; 2) providing model leadership and supervision; 3) managing and directing all Parks and Trails programs; 4) overseeing and directing Parks and Trails fiscal operations; 5) leading stakeholder engagement and partnerships; and 6) providing service leadership for Parks and Trails teams at department, division and regional levels.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Provide leadership and supervision to Parks and Trails regional and field staff through direct and indirect reports so that Department, Division and Region programs are successfully implemented, employees effectively perform assigned job duties and bargaining unit contracts and work plans are equitably administered.
- Manage and direct all Parks and Trails programs for the Central Region consistent with statewide priorities through direct and indirect reports so that Department, Division and Region programs are successfully implemented.
- Direct the Division’s fiscal operations within the region in a stable and sustainable way so that Division and Department goals are met and all policies and laws are followed.
- Manage, direct and set regional priorities for partnerships with external constituents and stakeholders for awareness and understanding of Department and Division goals and to understand stakeholder needs, desires and expectations.
- Provide service leadership to Regional Management Team (RMT) and other regional teams to respond to driving trends and to accomplish the Division’s and Department’s priorities and projects.
- Provide service leadership to Division Leadership Team (DLT), relevant statewide committees, and agency priority projects.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. The position will require reporting to the primary work location an average of one day per week.
Minimum Qualifications
- Four years of directly related managerial or advanced supervisory experience, that includes leading and managing large, complex operations and/or multiple geographically distributed units with responsibility for directing outdoor recreation or natural resources management programs. Experience must include developing stakeholder and partnership engagement strategies, budget and finance, human resources, safety, and other related activities.
While not required, a bachelor’s or advanced degree in natural resource management, parks & recreation, natural science, communications, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science, education, interpretation, or closely related field, may be substituted for 1 year of the above experience for a bachelor’s, 18 months for a Masters, and 2 years for a Doctorate.
To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
- Knowledge and management of recreational facility physical design, development, operations (including integrating resource management and interpretation) and maintenance plus equipment used, sufficient to evaluate unit/program needs and performance; to evaluate/improve operational activities, propose budget levels and comply with policies.
- Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes sufficient to ensure funds are properly administered, needs are accurately assessed and represented in the appropriate processes, expenditures of funds are appropriate and tracked, interpret budget reports, and articulate budget proposals.
- Knowledge of strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to participate in generation of unit plans, evaluate recommendations and explain proposals and reports to staff, peers and superiors.
- Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public; make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response; prepare and edit reports and management plans; research topics to solve problems; and educate others.
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff, including remotely, address complex and confidential human resource issues, manage performance, motivate people and obtain program commitment from division personnel, and work as both a leader and a productive member of both Regional and Statewide teams.
- Skills in negotiation, conflict management and consensus building with diverse groups internally and externally. Includes critical thinking skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous and/or controversial situations, make difficult decisions, and persuade others of the merits of a position or proposal that supports/advocates for the mission of the division/department and build consensus among varied and sometimes conflicting opinions.
- Cultural Competency skills sufficient to work with diverse public, community and employee perspectives, as well as the ability to treat all employees and public in such a way to ensure that long- term and short-term goals and objectives equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public.
- Experience applying broad knowledge to complex issues sufficient to anticipate trends, analyze data and find solutions that balance long-term resource conservation with social and economic values and recreation demands.
- Experience leading organizational change.
- Considerable knowledge around workplace safety sufficient to recognize unsafe practices, coach for improved safety performance, and develop workplace policies and procedures that lead to safer working conditions and enhance the culture of safety.
- Understanding of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) principles, and experience in addressing the needs of diverse visitors and staff.
Preferred Qualifications
- Five years of directly related managerial or advanced supervisory experience that includes leading and managing large, complex operations and/or multiple geographically distributed units with responsibility for directing outdoor recreation or natural resources management programs that include developing stakeholder and partnership engagement strategies, budget and finance, human resources, safety, and other related activities.
- Experience building relationships with under-served communities that led to increased collaboration, participation and/or employment of community members.
- Ability to skillfully perform in situations with a political backdrop sufficient to advance department/division proposals.
- A bachelor’s or advanced degree in natural resource management, parks & recreation, natural science, communications, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science, education, interpretation, or closely related field
- Experience applying continuous improvement principles or green belt CI certification.
- Experience working in an organization guided by complex policies and procedures.
- Experience developing policies and directing and evaluating multiple program activities.
- Emergency management training and/or recipient of a safety leadership recognition award.
- Knowledge of the legislative process and functions.
- Successful completion of leadership and/or supervisory training offered by the DNR or comparable programs.
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. 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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
IN ADDITION TO APPLYING HERE WITH YOUR APPLICATION AND/OR RESUME, PLEASE SEND A SEPARATE DOCUMENT, directly to Becky Keller, by email, to becky.keller@state.mn.us. In it describe your knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas (maximum of 300 words each):
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills including experience leading geographically distributed teams. Describe your leadership style and philosophy and how you’ve applied them to geographically distributed teams.
- Skills in conflict management and consensus building with diverse groups to solve difficult and sensitive problems and management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions. Describe a situation and your role in resolving the issue.
- Experience leading organizational change. Describe a situation and your role in leading the change.
Applicants who fail to provide the above information by the end of the posting period may be removed from consideration.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Philip Leversedge at phil.leversedge@state.mn.us or 651-259-5650.
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 becky.keller@state.mn.us.
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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
