Working Title: Development Consultant
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 94299
Location : New Ulm
Telework Eligible : Yes / Hybrid
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 05/19/2026
Closing Date : 06/08/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:00pm
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $35.96 - $53.32 / hourly; $75,084 - $111,332 / annually
Job Class Option : Trails And Waterways
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
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 currently seeking one (1) Natural Resources Program Consultant Development Consultant located in New Ulm, MN. This position will assist and coordinate the Parks and Trails Division's development program on a statewide basis. The incumbent will provide leadership, continuous improvement, strong communications, and serve as the technical expert for the division's field staff in the implementation of large park, trail, and water access development projects, which includes, but is not limited to roads, renewable energy, water conservation projects, bridges, buildings, day use areas, overnight facilities, and utility systems. This position is day shift Monday - Friday typically working from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Lead, coordinate, and implement new development and rehabilitation projects for parks, trails, and water access facilities, with funding from bonding, Legacy, water recreation, LCCMR, Land and Water Conservation, and state park road account programs on a statewide basis to ensure all programs goals, policies and procedural requirements are met.
Lead, coordinate, and monitor the division's facilities and infrastructure programs with DNR Management Resources to set standards for process, programs, designs, and initiatives related to division priorities.
Lead, coordinate, and evaluate the natural and cultural resource impacts related to all statewide development activities by working with resource management unit and MN Historical Society archeologist and historians with consultation from the State Historic Preservation Office and other government agencies.
Lead, coordinate, and monitor the capital budget expenditures for park, trail, and public water access development projects. The capital budget includes several funding @types, such as bonding, Legacy, LCCMR, water recreation account, State Park Road account, and federal and local grants.
Assist with the division's capital funding priorities and budget preparation. Manage budgetary resources to meet program needs by preparing, justifying, and evaluating budgets and statewide spending plans.
Represent the division in working with other department divisions, government organizations, parks and recreation and trail organizations, user groups, and non-profit organizations, such as the National Park Service, the Department of Administration / MMB, facilities design committee, the department sign committee, and the Parks and Trails Council of MN.
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 the area of Natural Resources, Outdoor Recreation Management, Public Administration, Public Space Planning and Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering or closely related field.
AND
3 years of professional level experience with managing, planning, rehabilitation or development of land and water recreation facilities and infrastructure projects or programs (e.g., trails, parks, recreation access, campgrounds or natural resource based recreation).
Additional Requirements include the following:
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills sufficient to establish strong working relationships; work effectively as a team member and carry out work assignments and possess the ability to identify issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously across various stages of completion.
Ability to implement policies and procedures and clearly communicate program regulations and standards, to support overall program administration.
Knowledge of fiscal procedures, including budget preparation and management, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
Ability to communicate work plans, proposals, and reports using written, verbal, and technical communication skills sufficient to understand, interpret and explain design documents to non-technical staff.
Knowledge of outdoor recreational facilities, infrastructure development, capital project management, building codes, rules, and laws.
Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software sufficient to create and prepare reports and presentations, manage databases, and track projects.
Interpersonal and strong communication skills sufficient to build positive, professional working relationships with co-workers and citizens.
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in the area of Public Space Planning and Design, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering or closely related field.
Knowledge of and experience in planning, designing or constructing recreation facilities
Knowledge of state and federal cultural resource laws
Proficient in AutoCAD and GIS
Knowledge of and experience working with DNR policies and procedures
Experience doing business analysis studies and reports
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. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:
Employment Reference Check
SEMA4 Records Check
Criminal History Check
Education/license 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.
