Working Title:
Natural Resources Technician Parks & Trails
Job Class: NR Tech Parks & Trails
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 95208
- Location: Watertown
- Telework Eligible: No
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 7/07/2026
- Closing Date: 7/27/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift; 7:00am-5:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $24.84 - $35.79 / hourly; $51,886 - $74,730 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 207- Technical/AFSCME
- Work Area: Watertown Office Area
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- 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 DNR is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent NR Technician Parks and Trails serving Region 3 in the Watertown Area. The days of work are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This position exists to provide technical work implementing programs, activities, policies and rules among Minnesota’s state parks and trails systems, including promoting effective land acquisition, land management and development and rehabilitation projects. Facility responsibilities for this position include 30 miles of the Luce Line State Trail, 34 DNR-administered and over 50 cooperatively managed public water access sites, 3 state water trails, over 70 fishing piers and shore fishing locations, and Grant-in-Aid snowmobile trails all located within the 3 western metro counties.
Specifically, the person in this position acts as a lead worker to:
- Assist with the creation of work plans and direct the activities of field staff, seasonal staff, volunteers, interns and/or other work crews and contractors.
- Implement operations, development, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs.
- Prepare and submit reports and provide administrative support to the Division.
- Implement visitor and public relations to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
- Enforce Division rules and state laws, respond to emergencies, and implement resource management programs.
- Implement work plans and provide support to the Area Supervisor and Assistant Area Supervisor so that Parks and Trails program goals and objectives are accomplished in Area 3B; and
- Conducts other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
Applicants must meet or exceed ONE of the following requirements to be considered further:
- Associate's Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis, Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis, Recreation Resource Management, Environmental Studies; OR
- Two years (24 months) experience as a Building and Grounds Worker, Parks Worker or other classification performing similar work.
Additional Requirements:
- Work experience providing work direction to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups. TO RECEIVE CREDIT, APPLICANT RESUMES MUST REFLECT past experience with responsibilities for establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
- Public contact experience.
- Interpersonal skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for park visitors.
- Conflict resolution skills sufficient to deal effectively with staff and park visitors when issues arise.
- Skill in word processing sufficient to create professional looking documents with proper grammar and punctuation and spreadsheet skills sufficient to track and report data.
- Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
- Ability to operate tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, chain saws, etc.
- Ability to acquire Park Ranger Certification and Advanced Chainsaw Certification.
Preferred Qualifications.
- Current valid Class A driver's license.
- Knowledge and experience of (or the ability to become proficient in) GPS and GIS in establishing locations, marking, tracking, creating databases and reporting.
- 2 years equipment operation and routine maintenance experience (ex: changing tires; operating equipment; backing up large vehicles) on outdoor vehicles and equipment such as tractor loader, backhoe, one ton and larger trucks, pickups, OHV’s, and riding mowers.
- Experience and skills assessing State Park programs and facility condition.
- Experience providing direction to field staff, volunteers, or other supplemental work groups for work plans.
- Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for recreation users.
- Experience establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
- Public contact experience.
- Conflict resolution skills sufficient to deal effectively when issues arise.
Additional Requirements
This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one within the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol testing program. Per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.
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.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Rachel Henzen at rachel.henzen@state.mn.us or 651-245-7425.
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 Sarah Neisen at Sarah.Neisen@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.
