Working Title: Wild Rice Project Coordinator
Job Class: Planner Senior State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92761
Location : Grand Rapids
Telework Eligible : Yes, hybrid up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/18/2026
Closing Date : 04/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Ecological and Water Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, occasional travel as needed
Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
End Date : 06/30/2028
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Full-time Temporary Unclassified Wild Rice Project Coordinator - Planner Senior State located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Anticipated working dates are now through 06/30/2028. The Wild Rice Project Coordinator would work to implement phase two of a collaborative wild rice monitoring project funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). This position serves as a liaison among Tribal Nations, state and federal agencies, universities, and other partners to advance wild rice conservation in Minnesota. This role provides project management, partnership coordination, communication and outreach, and fieldwork support. The position would focus on project delivery and coordination, expanding the collaborative network, and strengthening long-term sustainability strategies for wild rice monitoring.
Responsibilities include :
Coordinate implementation of an ENRTF funded wild rice monitoring project
Facilitate collaboration among Tribal Nations, government agencies, academic institutions, and other partners including planning an annual workshop
Develop communication strategies and materials in coordination with DNR communications staff and support outreach and information sharing among partners
Prepare reports and updates for DNR leadership and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
Explore and identify long-term funding strategies to support continuation of the collaborative effort
Coordinate wild rice survey priorities, methods, and scheduling with partners
Assist with collect, manage, analyze, and report ecological data
Maintain and operate field equipment, including watercraft
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.
This position will require occasional travel in state to field sites and meetings including some overnight stays.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.
Two (2) years demonstrated project management experience, including planning, coordination, and tracking of timelines.
Written and verbal communications skills sufficient to translate highly technical information into public-facing documents and presentations that are understandable, accessible, and audience-specific.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to produce and maintain word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Preferred Qualifications
Three (3) years demonstrated project management experience in an ecological field, including planning, coordination, and tracking of timelines
An advanced degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.
Experience working with Tribal Nations or cross-cultural partnerships
Planning and facilitation skills sufficient to coordinate and facilitate project team meetings and/or workshops.
Experience developing long-term strategies to promote the continuation of a program through various avenues
Experience working with spatial data within Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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.
