JOB SUMMARY

The DNR is looking to fill one (1) full time Natural Resources Specialist Senior Parks and Trails position located in Bemidji, MN. Days of work are Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.

• 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. Additional travel is also required throughout the state as determined by business needs.

This position exists to provide lead professional assistance and expertise to support the Parks and Trails Northwest region management and division staff coordinating acquisition and development activities. The position will also support the Northwest Region Off Highway Vehicle Acquisition & Development 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 Northwest 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 fill 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.
• Assist the Area Parks and Trails Assistant Regional Manager and Regional Manager to with work plans and budget management for operation and maintenance, in collaboration with other programs and disciplines so that regional and unit plans and program goals are fulfilled.
• Coordinate Parks and Trails Northwest Region’s emergency response paperwork and reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties, as assigned by the PAT Assistant Regional Manager, so that DNR and PAT program goals and objectives are advanced.
• Actively seek and participate in professional development, so that leadership and management skills are current with accepted standards.

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.

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, 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 land management practices, and conservation easements.
• Experience processing land records, system transactions, Land and Minerals acquisition, tax forfeit review requests, road vacations, easements, license reviews, and trespass.
• 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

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 Northwest 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 fill 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.
• Assist the Area Parks and Trails Assistant Regional Manager and Regional Manager to with work plans and budget management for operation and maintenance, in collaboration with other programs and disciplines so that regional and unit plans and program goals are fulfilled.
• Coordinate Parks and Trails Northwest Region’s emergency response paperwork and reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties, as assigned by the PAT Assistant Regional Manager, so that DNR and PAT program goals and objectives are advanced.
• Actively seek and participate in professional development, so that leadership and management skills are current with accepted standards