Working Title: Division of Operations Services Deputy Director
Job Class: Natural Resources Assistant Division Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 89933
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes; up to 40%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/01/2025
Closing Date :11/21/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Operations Services Division
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $50.25 - $71.95 / hourly; $104,922 - $150,231 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrepresented
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.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Deputy Director to join our Operations Services Division (OSD) in St. Paul. This leadership position plays a vital role in aligning division and regional objectives with the department's overall mission and vision.
The Deputy Director provides strategic direction and oversight for OSD's business and administrative operations, agency policy and planning efforts, and regional operations functions. This role also represents the division and acts on behalf of the Director in their absence.
Key Responsibilities
Provide leadership and direction for division policies, programs, and priorities as part of the OSD Executive Team and other statewide committees.
Integrate regional and field operations with central office functions to ensure alignment and consistency.
Foster effective communication and collaboration among regional and central office staff and across DNR disciplines.
Represent the division or agency on complex, high-priority, and high-profile projects and initiatives.
Serve as a central point for managing conflict, resolving disputes, and coordinating interdisciplinary efforts across the agency.
Lead strategic and operational planning to ensure alignment with department goals.
Strengthen linkages between regional planning, program development, and budgeting processes.
Support legislative processes related to policy initiatives and operational budgets.
Promote a healthy, safe, productive, and inclusive work environment for all employees.
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
Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of experience managing or supervising staff in natural resource management or other mission-driven programs.
Proven leadership and organizational skills with the ability to engage, develop, and direct staff effectively.
Knowledge of diverse cultural and community groups and the ability to ensure that stakeholders and partners understand program requirements and expectations.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment, incorporating a variety of perspectives into decisions and actions.
Experience building relationships and managing high-profile, complex, or controversial issues with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal, administrative, and human relations skills.
Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly to varied audiences.
Working knowledge of legislative processes, including experience developing or supporting policy and fiscal legislation.
Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and oversee complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
Ability to lead and maintain effective workplace safety and emergency management programs.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in business administration, public administration, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience overseeing natural resource management programs and staff.
Incident Command System (ICS) training and experience.
In-depth knowledge of workplace safety and emergency management principles sufficient to lead and oversee agency-wide programs.
Familiarity with continuous improvement tools and methodologies to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies for high-profile programs and policies.
Proven ability to foster collaboration and coordination among a geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary workforce.
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
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.
