Working Title: Communications and Integrated Systems Coordinator
Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 88384
Location : Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/15/2025
Closing Date : 10/06/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / 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 (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.
The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) State Program Admin Principal, Communication and Integrated Systems Coordinator in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center.
The Communications & Integrated Systems Coordinator safeguards the integrity, reliability, and efficiency of the DNR's radio and data communication infrastructure. Acting as the primary subject matter expert, the incumbent oversees system operations, drives integration of disparate data platforms, designs and delivers training, conducts audits, and partners with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless, secure communications for wildfire response and all hazard emergency operations.
Responsibilities include to:
Develop program goals, work and spending plans, recommend program policy and monitor the work of forestry and interagency fire personnel.
Develop reports in one or more forestry program and/or subprogram and/or activity areas and coordinate program activities with other agencies.
Develop and deliver educational programs/materials. Train natural resource staff in the administration and implementation of forestry programs. Educate the public.
Participate in statewide program planning. Draft legislative proposals and special reports. Testify or brief managers to testify.
Focus areas include Radio Communications Management; Data Systems Integration; Training & Support Programs; System Audits & Compliance; and Inter-agency Collaboration
Frequent travel required statewide. Occasional travel out of state required. Work hours are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work and days off may vary and include weekends, evenings and holidays.
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
Three (3) years of professional experience in any of the following:
Radio Communications Engineering with a theoretical foundation in electromagnetics, signal processing and legal authorities to operate radio equipment. OR
Development Project Management with a foundation in software development lifecycles, business analysis and management principles OR
Budgeting, contract administration, scheduling, performance management, supervision or lead work experience including ordering and inventory management, and project management. A Bachelor's degree in Forest and Natural Resource Management, Wildland Firefighting, Forest Resources, or Forestry or related field can substitute for one (1) year or experience and an Associates degree in the above fields can substitute for 6 months of experience.
IN ADDITION:
Knowledge of radio-frequency (RF) theory, antenna systems, and trunked-radio protocols required to oversee operation & maintenance of radio communication systems and to troubleshoot interference, perform routine maintenance, and evaluate equipment upgrades.
Experience providing leadership, oversight and technical direction of a complex operation either inside or outside the organization.
Skill in conducting system-integration and data-exchange design (understanding of APIs, data schemas, CAD/dispatch feeds, incident-reporting databases) to manages integration of data systems, coordinates updates, and ensures seamless data flow across internal/external platforms.
Knowledge of project-management methodologies, especially Agile/Scrum (sprint planning, backlog grooming, milestone tracking) for coordinating system updates, hardware/software upgrades, and managing timelines across multiple teams.
Knowledge of federal, state, and agency communication regulations (FCC Part¿90/95, agency policies, safety standards) to compliance with leases, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
Ability to apply principles of National Incident Command System (ICS) sufficient to manage emergency response communications.
Knowledge of budget policies, procedures and regulations sufficient to manage and administer budgets and to cost effectively deliver aviation resources.
Supervisor/lead work experience and training that incorporates directing, coaching and resolving conflicts. Ability to supervise work of subordinate employees
Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Organizational and interpersonal skills sufficient to work as a productive member of a team.
Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation
Preferred Qualifications
Completion of a Leadership Development Program or supervisory skill development program with training in the areas of: basic supervision; advanced supervision; communication; performance management; interpersonal skills; and leadership.
College coursework or equivalent training with a program emphasis in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Emergency Management, or a closely related field.
Have the following minimum past or current National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) qualifications:
Communications Unit Leader
Incident Technology Support Specialist
Professional certifications such as FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP), or PMP/PMI-ACP to demonstrate regulatory competence and formal project-management training
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. 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.
