Working Title: NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior Parks & Trails

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 82639
Location: Fergus Falls
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 01/07/2025
Closing Date: 01/27/2025
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: No
Salary Range: $28.82 - $42.31 / hourly; $60,176 - $88,343 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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 looking to fill one (1) full time NR Specialist Senior Parks and Trails position located in Fergus Falls, MN. Days of work are Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.

This position exists to provide professional assistance to the Area 1B Supervisor of the Parks & Trails Unit in the management and supervision of the outdoor recreation and Natural Resource management programs assigned to the Division of Parks and Trails. This includes the administration of grants to local units of government and indirectly supervising development, rehabilitation and maintenance projects carried out by other divisions within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that are funded by the PAT unit.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Provide lead work direction so that Parks & Trails program operations are conducted efficiently and in accordance with policies, goals, and objectives. Direct work of professional and technical staff, laborers, volunteers, temporary crews; ensure safety procedures and policies are followed, assist in equipment management.
Assist the Area PAT Supervisor to implement area work plans and budgets with other programs and disciplines so that regional and unit plans and program goals are fulfilled for Public Water Access, State Trails, Minnesota Trails Assistance Program (GIA for snowmobile, cross country ski, ATV, motorcycles, trucks), Water Trails, Fishing Piers and Shore Fishing, and Boat & Water Safety. This includes:
- Implementing real estate management and project development activities so that established work plans, goals, policies, and procedures are accomplished.
- Overseeing the maintenance operations and rehabilitation activities so that work program goals, policies, and procedures are fulfilled.
- Assisting with administration of the snowmobile, cross country ski, and Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) GIA programs so that statutory and departmental policies and responsibilities are fulfilled.
Navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment) and endure physical exertion.
Provide staff support for land management activities pertaining to acquisition and development projects so that leases, easements, cooperative agreements, potential trespass, encroachments, and illegal uses are identified and resolved.
Establish partnership with private citizens, private businesses, interest groups, local units of government, other governmental agencies, and department disciplines to accomplish the Department’s mission, and within that, accomplish PAT’s recreation mission.
Direct and administer enforcement, emergency service, and risk management programs.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or closely related field, and TWO YEARS of para-professional or professional experience which includes: creating work plans and/or preparing reports; providing lead work direction to staff; 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 or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, education, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field may substitute for one year of the experience listed above.

AND

Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.
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.
Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize work plans, reports, presentations 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

Bachelor or Master's Degree in Recreation Resource Management, Resource Based Tourism, Park and Recreation Administration or Outdoor Recreation.
Experience in budget administration sufficient to develop spending proposals, administer grants, developing and monitor budgets, etc.
Experience facilitating public meetings/presenting to diverse groups of stakeholders and units of government.
Experience managing people, work, and projects.
GIS/GPS skills, including ability to take GPS locations and make maps and databases associated with the Geographical Information System program.
Experience with design, construction, equipment, or management of, OHV trails or outdoor recreation facilities.
Recreation experience with OHV vehicles including ATV’s, OHM’s, UTV’s, and ORV’s.
Knowledge of natural resources management programs & policies including native and invasive species.
Experience resolving public disputes.
Experience with land management (e.g., trespass, fencing, neighbors, etc.) and land acquisition, exchanges, easements, leases, permits and the procedures involved.
Experience with managing/administering contracts/developing co-op agreements.
Experience in/knowledge of risk management (e.g., insurance, safety, etc.).
Knowledge of DNR Parks & Trails facilities/programs/procedures.
Knowledge of the National Environmental Protection Act, Wetland Conservation Act, Environmental Assessment.

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 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 the position, contact Jeffrey Fjestad at jeffrey.fjestad@state.mn.us or 218-671-7964.

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. If you have questions about this position, contact Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@state.mn.us or 651-259-5330.

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 Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@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.

Jobs in Fergus Falls

NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails