Working Title: Deputy Director
Job Class: Natural Resources Assistant Division Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 93956
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/02/2026
Closing Date : 05/22/2026
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
Salary Range: $51.00 - $73.03 / hourly; $106,488 - $152,486 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220- Managerial
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 Deputy Director functions with the Director to provide oversight of Ecological & Water Resources and serves as the Division's Operations Manager.
Job duties include:
Direct, develop, and manage the policies, programs, and priorities of the division as a member of the Division Leadership Team (DLT) and other statewide teams and committees.
Oversee management of regional and programmatic operations of the Division and ensure effective integration of divisional programs with regional/field operations to meet department and division goals.
Ensure effective communication and coordination among regional and central office Ecological & Water Resources staff and other DNR disciplines.
Lead division or agency representation on specific, complex, high priority and high profile issues or projects.
Prevent and resolve interdisciplinary conflicts by being a focal point for conflict management, dispute resolution, and intra-agency coordination.
Participate in the management of strategic and operational planning processes.
Ensure division agreement and understanding of linkages between the regional planning program and program planning and budgeting efforts.
Assist with the management of legislative processes for policy legislation, capital bonding and operational budgets.
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
Bachelor's degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management, or closely related field.
Three years of managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising natural resources management programs and staff.
Academic knowledge and advanced professional experience in the natural resources or water resource management field.
Demonstrated management and/or leadership skills and organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff.
Knowledge of natural resources systems, especially the connectivity between land and water.
Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to administer the programmatic area and ensure stakeholders understand the requirements and expectations of a given program.
Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of multidisciplinary interests into decisions and actions.
Demonstrated experience and success in negotiation, conflict resolution and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
Possess interpersonal, administrative, and human relations skills.
Communication skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences.
Knowledge of the legislative process and functions as evidenced by meeting and communicating directly with legislators, developing draft policy and/or fiscal legislation, participating in the development of legislative strategies or providing testimony at legislative hearings.
Demonstrated experience in creating and managing complex, multiple-account budgets.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resourcemanagement, or closely related field.
Five years or more of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience in the areas ofecological, natural, or water resource management.
Experience implementing regulatory programs in the areas of ecological, natural resource, or water resourcemanagement.
Experience with Minnesota's executive branch budget development and fiscal management process andrequirements.
Expertise in developing and implementing communications strategies for high profile programs and policies.
Demonstrated skill and experience working with diverse stakeholders (internal and external) on high profile,controversial issues.
Demonstrated skill and ability to foster cooperation and coordination among a multidisciplinary workforce spreadacross a broad geography.
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.
