Working Title: Grants Specialist
Job Class: Grants Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92177
Location : St. Paul; Bemidji
Telework Eligible : Yes; Hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/03/2026
Closing Date : 03/30/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Operations Services / Community Grants Team
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
FLSA Status : Non-exempt
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 launching the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grants Program -a high-visibility, high-impact initiative designed to expand access to funding and support community-based natural resource projects across Minnesota. We are building a mission-driven team to stand up and lead this program from the ground up. If you are energized by designing systems, collaborating across sectors, and ensuring public funds are managed with excellence and integrity, this is a unique opportunity to help shape a new statewide program at its inception.
The Community Grants team partners with the Community Grants Advisory Council, agency leadership, legislators, grantees, and communities statewide to design and administer Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluate and award grants, monitor compliance and performance, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
The DNR is seeking to fill two (2) permanent Grant Specialist Senior positions within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS) at our central office in Saint Paul, MN and our office in Bemidji MN. Three complementary Team Coordinator positions on the same Community Grants team are also open; candidates interested in lead-level responsibilities focused on RFP design, monitoring, compliance, and program coordination are encouraged to review that posting as well. (Job ID 92073)
This position supports the effective administration of the ENRTF Community Grants Program by managing core grant processes, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. The incumbent plays a key role in supporting applicants and grantees from proposal through closeout, maintaining accurate records, processing reimbursements, and contributing to transparent and accountable program operations. The role also supports lead team members in RFP development, evaluation, monitoring, and compliance activities while providing flexible, proactive support to ensure smooth program launch and implementation.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Perform core aspects of grant administration, including proposal evaluation, grantee communication, payment processing, compliance monitoring, records management, policy adherence, audit support, and grant closeout.
Provide technical assistance and guidance to applicants and grantees to ensure clarity of requirements and successful project implementation.
Support continuous improvement of program systems, documentation, and workflows.
Provide flexible, proactive support to the grants team to ensure smooth operations and timely progress on evolving program priorities.
This position 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 at least 50% of the time.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional experience administering grant programs, overseeing grant compliance, or providing training and assistance on grantmaking policies. Prior experience must demonstrate the ability to analyze financial data for adherence and conformance to relevant statutes and departmental policies or implement grantmaking policy and procedure changes.
A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Knowledge of grants procedures and techniques and the applicable state laws, rules, and regulations sufficient to administer statewide planning grants programs.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships and clearly convey information in support of program goals and compliance requirements.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret and apply statutes, guidelines, contracts, and policies; evaluate data and complex information; identify issues and alternative solutions; resolve disputes; and develop and communicate sound policy and program administration recommendations.
Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and adapt to changes that arise.
Ability to apply diversity, equity, and inclusion principles to grantmaking in order to identify and reduce barriers to organizations and communities that have been traditionally underserved.
Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office or similar programs sufficient to create and interpret work products of advanced professional staff, reports, spreadsheets, financial analyses, databases, and correspondence.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field.
Knowledge of the functions, programs, operations, structure and interrelationships of a major statewide natural resource management organization.
Experience in one or more of these areas:
Designing and/or providing training to diverse audiences with a variety of levels of expertise.
Developing and/or revising policies, procedures, or program guidance.
Developing and administering grant request for proposal and evaluations.
Analyzing, drafting, and executing grant or professional/technical contracts.
Continuous improvement processes, root cause analysis and project management.
Community-based organizations and equity in grantmaking.
Capital investment or capital improvement policies and procedures.
Additional Requirements
This position has no driving duties 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.
