Working Title: Policy and Planning Program Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 90319
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes; hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 11/25/2025
Closing Date : 12/17/2025
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Fish and Wildlife / F&W Pol Plng & Acq Programs
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes; occasional
Salary Range: $38.16 - $54.97 / hourly; $79,678 - $114,777 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association / MMA
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 DNR is seeking to fill one (1) Policy and Planning Program Supervisor position at our central office located in Saint Paul, MN.
This position exists to manage people and resources dedicated to a program of statewide fish and wildlife strategic and other planning, policy and decision-making, and agency coordination for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) and Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF).
This position provides leadership and expertise at the agency and division levels necessary to: a) integrate biological and social information in policies, programs, and decision making; b) support development of division legislative and budget proposals; c) administer project funds for interagency agreements to conduct stakeholder and general public surveys and focus groups; d) coordinate and advise internal (division, agency) and external (other state and federal agencies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, etc.) clients and stakeholders for OHF projects; e) direct and coordinate Division staff on public engagement for key statewide issues; and f) provide information, education, and direction on public engagement, decision-making, and conflict resolution techniques and approaches for Division staff.
Responsibilities include:
Supervise staff of the Policy and Planning Program so that applicable labor agreements and work plans are equitably administered, and employees effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve annual and long-range objectives of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Direct fiscal, policy, and other administrative activities in the Policy and Planning Program and the Outdoor Heritage Fund process so that priority projects and policy development are completed according to desired time schedules. Ensure that financial and other reporting is done correctly and on time. Demonstrate accountability to department personnel, Lessard-Sam Outdoor Heritage Council and staff, and interested stakeholders in order to foster sustained support and interest in planning, policy development and use of Outdoor Heritage Funds (OHF).
Lead, direct, guide, facilitate, and coordinate work of the FAW Policy and Planning Program and DNR Outdoor Heritage Fund process. Lead the Policy and Planning Program and Outdoor Heritage Fund process in a manner consistent with department and division strategic initiatives.
To direct and guide the development of proposals, general administration, and implementation of the Outdoor Heritage Fund across the agency so that all essential program-related responsibilities and tasks are carried out and to maximize the benefit of the funding for fish and wildlife habitat management. Support the development of new initiatives to sustain habitat management in a way that maximizes effectiveness and innovation.
Act as the division's data practices designee.
This position may be eligible to telework up to 50% of the time, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require travel on occasion throughout the state of MN to observe or support staff and partner programs, events, and initiatives, with potentially up to 1-2 nights overnight per month. This position may require in-person participation at up to three (3) national conferences annually, typically held in other states; flights via airlines are typical for national conferences.
Minimum Qualifications
Four (4) professional experience in researching, analyzing, and/or coordinating projects/programs relating to the laws, regulations, rules, principles, research practices, or procedures of fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology, fish and wildlife human dimensions, or closely related field.
Bachelor's Degree in fisheries, wildlife conservation biology, public policy or planning with a natural resources emphasis, or a closely related natural resources field.
Supervisory or leadwork experience sufficient to interview and select staff affirmatively, resolve personnel problems, create and fill positions, reward and discipline employees, and assign, schedule, and direct work.
Experience with qualitative and quantitative analyses sufficient to evaluate program results and to critique the analytical methods and results of other public program professionals.
Experience in meeting facilitation, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening, negotiation, and working with diverse groups of stakeholders.
Knowledge of human dimensions (social components including values, interested and behaviors) of fish and wildlife management including implementation, public engagement, conflict management and negotiation, communications, assessment and reporting.
Knowledge of human resources policies, and procedures, sufficient to resolve personnel problems, create and fill positions, reward and discipline employees, and assign, schedule, and direct work.
Knowledge of budget policies, procedures and regulations sufficient to manage and administer budget and to cost effectively deliver resources.
Written and oral communication skills sufficient to speak in public and work well with the diverse clientele of resource professionals, land managers, academic researchers, members of conservation organizations, government officials, and members of the public.
Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance and training, resolve conflict in a positive manner, generate public support, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, public, and staff.
Skills with office technology systems, such as Microsoft Office, or similar programs, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in public policy administration sufficient to successfully guide policy and planning efforts and include diverse stakeholder and Tribal interests in decision making.
Knowledge of the Department, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Policy Planning Program structure, administrative procedures, forms and policies.
Knowledge of State of Minnesota and Department of Natural Resources accounting and fiscal procedures, budgeting, expenditure tracking and reporting processes in order to prepare, evaluate, explain and report on fiscal documents and budgets.
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.
