Working Title: Senior Acquisition Project Manager
Job Class: Realty Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93051
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, Hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 03/30/2026
Closing Date : 04/20/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Lands and Minerals
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $29.25 - $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 - $89,658 / 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.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Realty Specialist Senior in St. Paul, Minnesota.
This position exists to provide real estate project management services to DNR divisions seeking to acquire land in fee or easement for DNR's outdoor recreation system including state parks, state forests, wildlife and aquatic management areas, scientific and natural areas and native prairie banks. Project managers -independently manage a portfolio of real estate complex acquisition transactions through the survey, appraisal, title review / resolution and closing phases in order to complete acquisitions in a timely way according to state statutes and procedures.
Critical components of this role are:
A drive to effectively manage real estate projects to meet key deadlines.
The ability to proactively identify and resolve issues required to successfully complete real estate transactions; and
A dedication to building and maintaining strong relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders including internal DNR division staff; technical experts such as appraisers, surveyors and attorneys; external acquisition partner organizations; and private landowners.
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 real estate experience managing multiple aspects of real estate transactions such as conducting title research, resolving title issues and defects; obtaining or conducting land surveys; drafting legal documents such as real estate option agreements, elections to purchase, deeds and/or easements; closing real estate transactions; managing a range of project stakeholders, vendors and/or technical experts to meet project goals; and creatively solving problems to complete projects.
An Associate's degree in Real Estate, Business, Economics or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Experience using project management methods and tools to effectively manage numerous simultaneous real estate transactions at various stages of completion, to successfully complete projects within assigned timelines.
Demonstrated ability to resolve challenging, complex or unexpected problems proactively and successfully.
Demonstrated group facilitation and negotiation skills sufficient to resolve conflict and reach mutually beneficial outcomes.
Knowledge and experience in understanding legal descriptions sufficient to locate and identify ownership and property interests.
Ability to read aerial photos and maps, and surveys sufficient to identify physical locations of property and determine any boundary issues
Demonstrated effective communication skills with the ability to clearly convey information to both internal and external audiences. Demonstrated professionalism when interacting with real estate professionals, attorneys, utility companies, highway departments, landowners, the general public, internal staff, and other public entities.
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations which govern State real estate transactions.
Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and Teams sufficient to complete spreadsheets, generate reports, draft real estate documents and coordinate and participate in online meetings.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Geographic Information Systems, Land Surveying, Business or Economics, or closely related field.
Experience in real estate fee title and easement acquisition for public use and/or conservation.
GIS skills sufficient to create reports, maps, and to interpret data from various sources.
Knowledge of the factors which affect the real estate industry, both public and private and real estate appraisals and/or valuations.
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 person 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.
