JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Natural Resources Specialist Senior located in New Ulm. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm.
This position exists to provide lead professional assistance and expertise to support the Parks and Trails South Region and division staff coordinating acquisition and development activities. The position will also support the South Region OHV A&D Specialist that provides direct support to the division on the management of off-highway vehicle recreation efforts. This includes the management and strategic coordination of acquisition and development activities including monitoring conservation easements, entering, maintaining, and processing Land Records System transactions, division and Lands and Minerals acquisition, divestiture and tax forfeit review requests, road vacations, easements, license reviews, trespass, legislative boundary bill requests and other divisional activities.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and coordinate the South Region’s real estate responsibilities and land acquisition and development and maintain regional databases, inform land transactions processes and prioritization needs, manage real estate transactions, and help fulfill acquisition and development work plans, goals, policies, and procedures.
• Provide staff support to land management activities in the region and areas to take advantage of acquisition opportunities through tax forfeit and road vacations, and to avoid and resolve trespass, encroachments and illegal use of division administered lands.
• To assist the PAT Assistant Regional Manager and Supervisors with work plans and budget management for operation and maintenance, in collaboration with other programs and disciplines, so work plans, and program goals are fulfilled.
• To perform other duties, as assigned by the PAT Assistant Regional Manager, so that DNR and PAT program goals and objectives are advanced.

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.

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..
• 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associates or bachelor degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related degree.
• Experience and skill managing natural areas such as exotic species control, prescribed burning, conducting resource inventories and preparing environmental impact assessments.
• Experience prioritizing work and managing projects with multiple teams.
• Experience in preparing natural resource management plans, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing data.
• Experience coordinating resource projects.
• Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other agencies.
• Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, writing articles and publications.
• Experience serving the public, negotiating, resolving conflict and facilitating small and large groups.
• Expert knowledge of Natural Resources outdoor recreation facilities, programs and policies.
• Human relations skills sufficient to establish rapport, motivate, secure commitment and coordinate consensus among staff and non-staff.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; 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 CheckLicense / Certification Verification

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

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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and coordinate the South Region’s real estate responsibilities and land acquisition and development and maintain regional databases, inform land transactions processes and prioritization needs, manage real estate transactions, and help fulfill acquisition and development work plans, goals, policies, and procedures.
• Provide staff support to land management activities in the region and areas to take advantage of acquisition opportunities through tax forfeit and road vacations, and to avoid and resolve trespass, encroachments and illegal use of division administered lands.
• To assist the PAT Assistant Regional Manager and Supervisors with work plans and budget management for operation and maintenance, in collaboration with other programs and disciplines, so work plans, and program goals are fulfilled.
• To perform other duties, as assigned by the PAT Assistant Regional Manager, so that DNR and PAT program goals and objectives are advanced