Working Title: Mining Project Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93924
Location : Hibbing, or 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 : 04/30/2026
Closing Date : 05/20/2026
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, 10%
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
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 preferred work location for this selected candidate is either Hibbing or St. Paul, MN. The selected candidate may have the option to report to either existing DNR offices in the work area. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Mining Project Planner / Planner Principal State. This position exists to direct and guide the work direction for the Mine Permitting & Coordination Unit and the Reclamation Research Units within the Lands and Minerals Division for ferrous, non-ferrous and peat mining projects, with a focus on ferrous projects that are Multi-Permit Projects (MPPs). The employee will have the role of project manager and main point of contact for mine permitting projects that are 1) permits for a new facility, 2) substantial amendments, 3) projects with multiple permits involving multiple agencies and/or 4) will undergo environmental review. The employee provides, assigns and prioritizes work in the review of documents submitted for mine permitting, (e.g. permit to mine, water appropriation, public waters work, and wetlands) and environmental review. Documents are reviewed for technical content, regulatory adequacy and the evaluation of the environmental soundness of mine management plans.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Direct, facilitate and coordinate Lands and Minerals Division (LAM) environmental review process for ferrous, non-ferrous and peat mining projects.
Direct, facilitate and coordinate LAM permitting process ferrous, non-ferrous and peat mining projects; and work with staff and consultants to ensure issues and concerns are addressed in project review and design.
Provide work direction to LAM permitting staff as a team lead for permitting process.
Participate in training to 1) improve project management, facilitation and related skills, and 2) remain technically current with information required for environmentally sound mining practices in Minnesota.
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. More frequent in-person days may be required for the first six (6) months or so during training/probationary period.
This position involves occasional travel, the employee must have the ability to travel statewide to other DNR buildings throughout Minnesota and off-site locations, such as mining operations.
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in public administration, business, environmental planning, natural resources management, biological sciences, geology, reclamation, soil sciences, environmental science, environmental engineering or related field.
Three (3) years of professional project management experience in the field of natural resources, environmental program administration, permitting, environmental impact and analysis, or related field.
Demonstrated interpersonal and human relations skills, along with commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, sufficient to establish ongoing effective, positive, trusting and professional relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
Project management skills to identify risks, critical paths, and resources and coordinate the work of others across multiple simultaneous operations.
Demonstrated time management skills, sufficient to balance multiple tasks, projects and priorities.
Strong computer skills in all standard Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Ability to manage multiple complex projects that may not have hard deadlines but need to be advanced through the permitting process.
Ability to understand complex scientific and technical data and how it may impact permitting and environmental review.
Preferred Qualifications
A master's degree in public administration, business, environmental planning, natural resources management, engineering management, or related field.
Leadership abilities sufficient to move multi-agency and public-based groups toward common goals.
Knowledge of policies, statutes and rules as they apply to metallic mineral mining.
Demonstrated ability to identify and communicate points of commonality derived from multiple sources across multiple state divisions or agencies.
Two (2) or more years' experience managing complex projects.
Basic knowledge of policies, statutes and rules as they apply to mining, particularly the procedural requirements for environmental review and permitting.
Ability to use and/or interpret projects using Geographic Information Systems, Microsoft Project, and/or statistical analysis software sufficient to apply the planning process.
Familiarity with mining and knowledge of Minnesota's mining industry and history. Particularly Minnesota's taconite operations, operational best practices, mine and process engineering principles.
Strong analytical and research skills sufficient to interpret information on geology, hydrology, minerals and other resources that influence natural resource management activities.
Additional Requirements
This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record; per the 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 Agnecy.
All 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.
