Working Title: Northeast Assistant Regional Manager- State Prog Admin Manager
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 88647
Location : Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/11/2025
Closing Date : 10/01/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Parks & Trails/ Region 2
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Up to 25% travel
Salary Range: $40.26 - $58.20 / hourly; $84,062 - $121,521 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.
Job Summary
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking an Assistant Regional Manager for the Northeast Region of the Parks & Trails Division. The Northeast Region generally includes locations north of Pine City to the Canadian border and east of Walker, MN to the Wisconsin border and Lake Superior. This area includes the North Shore. The work will require occasional overnight travel for meetings and may require occasional weekend work.
This position is responsible for directing the development of regional work plans, overseeing regional operations and program delivery, and directing and implementing all Parks and Trails Division programs, policies, fiscal management activities and operations for the region. It serves as the direct, on-site support to the Parks &Trails regional manager in the accomplishment of broad management responsibilities.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Develop and monitor regional work plans for all Division operations to meet department and division goals and objectives. Implementation activities occur within strategic frameworks, including the department's Conservation Agenda, the division's strategic and system plans, unit plans, and other planning and policy directives.
Direct the implementation of strategic and operational components of natural and cultural resource management, interpretation, conservation education, and facility management of already-developed state trails, state parks and state recreation areas, public water accesses, state waysides, grant-in-aid trails, state water trails, state waysides and other division units within the region.
Provide strategic leadership integrating regional planning, land acquisition, development projects, and renewal activities with operations to ensure sustainable and compatible contributions toward achieving Division goals.
Provide leadership and supervision directly to Northeast region district supervisors and indirectly to field staff so division programs are implemented within a supportive, equitable and respectful workplace climate.
Implement the regional operation and program budget management activities in alignment with division priorities to effectively engage personnel, uphold policies, satisfy organizational needs, meet program requirements and maintain fiscal integrity.
Lead region efforts to assure responsibility for safety, health and wellness elements and performance accountability while continuously working to strengthen a healthy culture of safety and respect among all employees, programs and customers.
Direct and plan regional enforcement, training and emergency services activities to provide public enjoyment and safe use of park/trail resources and facilities.
Seek and participate in professional development for continued growth and stay connected with emerging trends in outdoor recreation and resource management.
This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis up to 50% which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
Minimum Qualifications
Four years' leadership experience in a natural resource setting, agency or organization including budget development and fiscal management, strategic planning, operations, natural and cultural resources, interpretive, partnership development and managing outdoor recreation experiences.
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 One year of the above experience for a bachelor's, 18 months for a Masters, and Two years for a Doctorate.
And
Three of experience supervising employees, who are supervisors, in a complex work environment within a governmental agency, or in a natural resource setting, organization or agency.
Note: The four years of experience may include the three years of supervisory experience as described above.
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.
Skilled communicator with the ability to present complex concepts-such as balancing conservation priorities with recreational access-to diverse audiences. Experienced in tailoring messages to various levels of understanding, fostering positive engagement, preparing detailed management plans, and educating stakeholders on sustainable outdoor practices through clear, research-informed communication.
Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills to effectively manage and support staff-including remote teams-in outdoor recreation settings. Experienced in handling complex and confidential personnel matters, motivating teams, securing commitment to program goals, and collaborating within both Regional and Statewide groups as a team leader and active contributor.
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.
Experience in managing competing priorities and solving project or operational problems in a fast-paced environment, while ensuring timely decisions.
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.
Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to administer the programmatic area, as well as the ability to treat all employees inclusively to ensure that long-term and short-term goals and objectives equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public.
Understanding of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) principles, and experience in addressing the needs of diverse visitors and staff.
Ability to manage and direct numerous large regional division initiatives and participate on statewide and regional multi-discipline initiatives and teams.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to skillfully perform in situations with a political backdrop sufficient to advance department/division proposals. Experience with governmental processes.
Associate or bachelor's degree (or significant relevant academic credits) 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.
Knowledge of principles and practices of law enforcement sufficient to provide qualified oversight of enforcement activities and education of staff and the public.
Demonstrated ability to integrate Parks and Trails regional operations and programs with other disciplines, partners and agencies towards accomplishing departmental and divisional work and strategic plans.
Demonstrated ability to supervise direct reports remotely.
Knowledge of rules and laws related to recreation management and resource protection to ensure compliance.
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; 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
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.
Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
