Working Title: Parks and Trails Acquisition & Grants Specialist
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 89713
Location : St. Paul; New Ulm; Bemidji
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 : 02/21/2026
Closing Date : 03/13/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / 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.
This position was previously announced on 01/30/2026-02/19/2026 If you have already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to fill one (1) State Program Administrator Senior (Parks and Trails Acquisition & Grant Specialist). The days of work are Monday - Friday. Work hours are 8:00am. to 4:30pm. This position will be located in St. Paul, MN, New Ulm, MN or Bemidji MN.
This position exists to assist and coordinate the Division of Parks and Trails acquisition program and grant implementation on a statewide basis. The incumbent will provide leadership, continuous improvement, strong communications, and serve as a technical expert for the division in the implementation of real estate transactional work and grant implementation of park, trail, and water access development projects, which includes, but not limited to roads, acquisitions, divestitures, leases, state and federal grant implementation.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
Coordinate, support, and implement planning and policy direction for the Parks and Trails Division's real estate program, including supporting field staff and partners on park, trail, and water access land acquisitions priority lands, ensuring they are consistent with division strategic acquisition goals and objectives.
Lead, coordinate, and support Parks and Trails acquisitions and development staff with implementation of developing new leases, renewing existing leases, issuing license, as well as coordinate development of easement of external parties.
Lead, coordinate, and support regional staff in resolutions with statewide land trespass issues to ensure division interests are incorporated. Lead, coordinate, evaluate, and recommend potential boundary changes to individual state park statutory boundaries statewide.
Lead and support special projects related to acquisition and development projects with capital funding. May include bond funding, one-time appropriations, grant funding, or other opportunities. Provide support for or participate in special projects as assigned.
Lead, coordinate, and support the implementation of grant opportunities that support the Resource and Asset Management Section, the Acquisition and Development group, and regional staff. Ensure successful submission of applications and grant review requirements are met, including the allocation of funding, reporting, and close out's which support acquisition and development work.
Represent the division while working with other departments divisions, government organizations, parks and recreation and trail organizations, user groups, and non-profit organizations, such as National Park Service, the Department of Administration / MMB, facilities design committee, and the Parks and Trails Council of MN.
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 level experience managing grants, including financial analysis to ensure grant budgets and expenditures are set up in accordance with the funding source and expenditures are appropriate.
OR
Three (3) years of professional experience working in real estate.
While not required, a degree in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management, natural science, public administration, non-profit management, real estate, or a closely related field may substitute for a portion of the required experience: six months for an associate's degree, one year for a bachelor's, 18 months for master's degree or 2 years for Doctorate degree.
To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge of grant process management and document handling to effectively support the management of large multidimensional grant program.
Ability to implement policies and procedures and explain program regulations necessary for program administration.
Knowledge of legislative process, laws, regulations, and procedures governing acquisition and sale of state lands, land exchanges, and federal acquisition along with knowledge of farming and land retirement programs.
Project management skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills sufficient to establish strong working relationships; work effectively as a team member and carry out work assignments and possess the ability to identify issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions.
Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook sufficient to complete spreadsheets, generate reports and draft real estate documents.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management, natural science, public administration, non-profit management real estate, or a closely related field.
Knowledge of fiscal procedures and grant administration.
Experience with real estate transactions, granting or acquiring leases, easements utility licenses or easements
Project management skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
GIS skills, including ability to mark locations in the field, make maps, and manage databases associated with the Geographical Information System program.
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.
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.
