Working Title: Mitigation & Recovery Program Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 94766
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50%
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 06/12/2026
Closing Date : 07/02/2026
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, occasionally as needed for site visits and meetings
Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / 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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Natural Resources Program Coordinator position located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This position exists to coordinate and implement the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) statutory requirements and internal policies related to mitigation and recovery planning efforts for endangered & threatened species (T&E species) in the State of Minnesota. The mitigation efforts that this position will be responsible for are focused on administering a mitigation fund for T&E species, developing projects and partnerships to contribute to the conservation of T&E species using the mitigation fund, and overseeing the successful completion of mitigation projects (which includes recovery planning). The recovery planning efforts that this position will be responsible for includes developing recovery plans for high priority taxa/species, developing recovery plan implementation projects using mitigation and other funding sources, and overseeing the successful completion of these recovery plans and projects. These two focus areas of mitigation and recovery planning efforts will require regular coordination with the T&E species program to ensure efforts are in alignment with program goals.
Responsibilities include:
Administer the T&E species mitigation fund by tracking and coordinating mitigation receipts and spending..
Establish and implement a portfolio project management approach to track and support mitigation funded projects and recovery plans.
Coordinate the development of recovery plans for a prioritized set of T&E species.
Develop and oversee recovery projects using mitigation and other funding sources.
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 ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, botany, zoology, or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of professional experience in managing and/or implementing rare species conservation projects (including research, habitat management, habitat restoration, developing guidance for rare species, recovery planning, etc.)
Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to state and federally protected species, including Minnesota's statutes and rules related to protected species.
Project management and team coordination skills.
Human relations skills, including listening, facilitation, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
Financial management skills sufficient to develop and interpret financial reports and track multiple financial accounts simultaneously.
Experience preparing budgets, work plans, and other planning and fiscal documents.
Writing and communication skills sufficient to translate scientific findings and technical information for a variety of audiences
Skills in the use of personal computers, specifically in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, database, and mapping software.
Ability to prioritize work, make work assignments, manage work schedules and monitor progress to ensure proper completion of tasks.
Ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
An advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, botany, zoology, or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of experience managing a portfolio of multiple projects/complex tasks at a time.
Experience in data management and data governance.
Experience with using Minnesota's Natural Heritage Inventory System (or similar).
Experience in writing technical reports for state and federal agencies.
Knowledge of conservation genetics principles.
Experience with rare species recovery planning.
Knowledge of habitat management practices.
Certification or training in project management.
Experience in fiscal oversight and reporting for a project.
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.
