Working Title: Forestry Executive Assistant
Job Class: Office & Administrative Specialist Principal
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92956
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 : 03/21/2026
Closing Date : 03/27/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes; occasional
Salary Range: $24.12 - $32.54 / hourly; $50,362 - $67,943 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 206 - Clerical / AFSCME
Work Area : Division of Forestry - Central Office Headquarters
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 DNR is hiring an Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support to the Division of Forestry and key forestry programs, including Business & Administrative Services, Forest Operations & Management, Strategic Planning & Policy, and Wildfire.
In this role, you will:
Lead and support staff involved in recurring programs such as Timber Sales, Fire Billings, Fire Prevention, Cost Share, and Competitive Grants.
Represent administrative support staff on the Division Management Team (DMT) and help ensure the division meets statutory requirements and achieves its goals.
Plan, organize, and coordinate special projects and events, providing technical expertise and guidance.
Manage office systems and administrative services for the division.
Handle complex and sensitive matters, including staffing, budget, and legislative issues.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized professional to make a meaningful impact on Minnesota's forestry programs.
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
Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and expense reporting sufficient to monitor and balance multiple budgets and grants, analyze line items, identify errors, ensure spending aligns with guidelines, and recommend budget transfers.
Knowledge of bookkeeping sufficient to prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files and financial reports, analyze transactions, assign them to accounts, post and adjust ledger entries, and ensure funds are properly allocated according to department and division policies.
Skill in customer service sufficient to provide information and assistance to internal and external customers through phone calls, emails, and in-person interactions using courtesy, tact, empathy, and positive problem-solving.
Skill in spreadsheet and data management sufficient to maintain accurate budget records and reports, compile and verify data, correct entry errors, design and modify spreadsheets, and extract information as needed.
Ability to lead work and manage staff sufficient to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate office operations and staff, provide coaching and training, and develop administrative training programs.
Skill in mathematics sufficient to perform calculations, track budgets and expenditures, make projections, and verify invoices for accuracy.
Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite or similar software sufficient to create, modify, and publish calendars, memos, letters, documents, reports, charts, graphics, and presentations.
Ability to work independently sufficient to manage multiple priorities and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to perform advanced administrative support and office management functions, including at least three (3) years of experience in accounting, budgeting, reporting, and records retention.
Knowledge of and skill in using SWIFT or other governmental statewide accounting systems sufficient to provide technical expertise, enter, verify, and approve purchases, query and compile reports, assist with spending plans, financial status reports, and budget requests, and analyze data to create meaningful reports.
Knowledge of competitive bidding processes required for all purchasing.
Ability to demonstrate initiative, effort, and commitment to efficiently completing assignments.
Skill in Microsoft Office products sufficient to prepare reports, letters, financial statements, and track and create statistical reports.
Skill and ability to develop and provide training and act as a lead worker to other staff.
Ability in human relations sufficient to foster a positive work environment and maintain successful professional relationships.
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.
