Working Title : Parks and Trails Principal Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 90896
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 12/20/2025
Closing Date: 01/09/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: DNR Parks and Trails - Region 3
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,723 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit: 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
FLSA Status: Exempt-Administrative
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 Parks and Trails is seeking to fill one (1) Planner Principal State position located in St. Paul, MN. The work hours will be Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.
This position exists to provide statewide planning services for the Division of Parks and Trails, including developing and implementing strategic and system plans and planning processes, leading master and management planning efforts for units within the state parks and trails system, establishing new planning processes, and improving existing planning processes; b) provide guidance on the division's research and survey agenda and coordinate and implement research projects, and c) manage priority projects as assigned by the Policy and Planning Supervisor and supported by the Division Leadership Team.
Responsibilities include:
Planning Services: Provide statewide planning services for the Division of Parks and Trails, including developing and implementing strategic and system plans and planning processes, leading master and management planning efforts for units within the state parks and trails system, establishing new planning processes, and improving existing planning processes.
Survey, Research Coordination and Analysis: Coordinate the division's survey and research agenda, as established by the Division Leadership Team, the Policy and Planning Supervisor, and other planning staff as needed to inform strategic planning and decision making and ensure that work is relevant and meets stakeholder and public needs.
Project Management: Manage priority projects as assigned by the Policy and Planning Supervisor and supported by the Division Leadership Team.
Other Planning Duties as Assigned: Perform other duties, as directed, in order to fulfill the Department's and Division's mission and mandates and to advance Minnesota's outdoor recreation agenda.
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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on an occasional basis.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's or advanced degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resources management, environmental studies, landscape architecture, public administration or policy, social or natural sciences, or a closely related degree.
AND
Three (3) years of professional level experience in planning, research, and project management, which includes coordinating large programs or research projects in outdoor recreation, natural resources/environmental management, urban/regional planning, land use or related field.
To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Knowledge of planning principles and practices, project management, and public involvement strategies.
Ability to design and manage complex planning processes.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills and public relations skills sufficient to effectively interact with internal and external customers, facilitate and lead meetings, influence future direction, deliver challenging messages/information, resolve disagreements, and defuse potentially volatile situations.
Demonstrated ability to create and edit clear and professional written materials, such as letters, reports, plans, and presentations.
Demonstrated ability to organize and manage complex collaborative projects to ensure that deadlines and procedural requirements are met, and projects are completed successfully.
Demonstrated ability to conduct research and knowledge of research and survey design, statistical analysis methods, and data process software.
Demonstrated ability of analytical and data analysis skills to review and track technical information, make recommendations, and clearly communicate results.
Computer skill sufficient in word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications, presentation software, survey software (such as Qualtrics), and document management (electronic and paper).
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resources management, environmental studies, landscape architecture, public administration or policy, the social or natural sciences or closely related degree.
Working knowledge of state and federal recreation statutes, laws, rules, strategic plans and programs.
Experience working in outdoor recreation research.
Experience managing public intercept surveys or research projects that included public surveys.
Experience managing trail or vehicle counters.
Technical skills in geographic information systems (e.g., ArcMap or ArcGIS) sufficient to create maps and in database management.
Experience and/or certifications in continuous improvement.
Certifications in project management or planning (e.g., AICP).
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.
