Working Title: Grants Specialist
Job Class: Grants Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 92963
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 : 05/27/2026
Closing Date : 06/16/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Operations Services / Community Grants Team
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / 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 (DNR) is launching the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grants Program -a high-visibility, high-impact initiative designed to expand access to funding and support community-based natural resource projects across Minnesota. This position joins a collaborative grants team responsible for administering high-impact state-wide grant programs that support community-based natural resource projects and responsible public fund stewardship across Minnesota. If you are energized by strong administration, supporting equitable access to funding and helping ensure public funds are managed with excellence and integrity, this is an opportunity to contribute to an important statewide program serving communities across Minnesota.
The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) permanent Grant Specialist position within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS) at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
This position supports the effective administration of the ENRTF Community Grants Program and the Pass-Through Grants Unit within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS). While the position is housed within the Community Grants team, it provides shared grant administration support across both programs to help ensure grant activities are managed consistently, compliantly and in alignment with applicable laws, policies and requirements from the Department of Administration's Office of Grants Management.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Assist in the day-to-day administration of the Pass-Through Grants Unit in alignment with the program's objectives.Support Pass-Through grant team members in monitoring grant projects, including progress and agreement requirements, receiving and coordinating reimbursement requests, coordinating the completion of grant agreements, maintaining accurate grant records, tracking tools, and documentation to support program compliance, and supporting other team grant administration activities.
Assist in the day-to-day administration of the Community Grants (CG) in alignment with the program's objectives. Assist CG grant team members by assisting with grant agreement management, reimbursement and reporting review, compliance monitoring, documentation and records management, calendar and deadline tracking, meeting and training coordination, grantee communications and support, Community Grants Advisory Council support, application and review process logistics, and general administrative and operational support to help ensure grants are managed accurately, consistently and in alignment with applicable state policies, laws, program requirements and use of funds by grantees..
This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location at least 50% of the time.
Minimum Qualifications
One (1) year of professional experience providing administrative support for grant programs, grant compliance activities, contract administration, financial review, program operations or related public sector program support.
An associates degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
Experience maintaining records, tracking deadlines, reviewing documentation for completeness, and supporting compliance with policies, procedures, contracts, grant agreements, or financial requirements.
Ability to organize and manage multiple assignments, calendars, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to coordinate with grantees, staff, reviewers and external parties; respond to routine questions; and support meetings, trainings and program operations.
Ability to review information, identify missing or inconsistent documentation, apply established procedures, and elevate issues requiring additional review or supervisor decision-making. Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and adapt to changes that arise.
Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office or similar programs sufficient to manage calendars, scheduling, spreadsheets, reports, databases, correspondence and document tracking systems.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field.
Experience providing administrative or operational support for grants, contracts, public programs, finance, compliance, or related government or nonprofit programs.
Experience managing calendars, scheduling meetings, coordinating trainings or events, tracking deadlines, and supporting multiple staff or teams with competing priorities.
Experience maintaining accurate records, reviewing documentation for completeness, and supporting reporting, reimbursement, or compliance processes.
Experience communicating with external partners, grantees, applicants, or community-based organizations regarding deadlines, required documentation, and routine program requirements.
Experience using Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, and shared document management systems for scheduling, tracking, reporting, and correspondence.
Experience supporting programs that serve community-based organizations, first-time applicants, or historically underserved communities, including helping reduce barriers to access and improve process navigation.
Additional Requirements
This position has no driving duties required.
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.
