Working Title: Payroll Lead
Job Class: Human Resources Specialist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 95417
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 07/20/2026
Closing Date : 07/27/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Operation Services Division / Human Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 217 - Confidential/Unrep
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 is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Human Resources Specialist 1 / Payroll Lead located at St. Paul, MN in Central Office.
The Payroll Lead provides professional and technical support services for the DNR Human Resources unit. The position will provide lead direction in the administration of the following Human Resource functions: payroll, payroll transaction auditing, safety and worker's compensation payroll buyback, and limited contract administration.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Manage and oversee the payroll function for the DNR ensuring services are delivered consistently and in compliance with State and Federal laws, Labor Union contracts, Fair Labor Standards Act, FMLA, and other policies and procedures.
Provide guidance and consultation services to management, co-workers, and others requesting information or services from Human Resources so that customers trust and seek advice and counsel from HR to answer questions and make decisions.
Create and conduct audits to ensure compliance with policies, bargaining contracts and plans, statutes and laws.
Manage the worker's compensation overpayment for the department so overpayments are collected and leave accruals are adjusted accurately and timely.
Provide technical support to contract negotiations and labor relations activities so appropriate analysis and review is completed in a timely manner.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of experience performing paraprofessional, clerical, or technical duties in human resources or payroll.
Experience following confidentiality guidelines and handling sensitive information.
Ability to maintain attention to detail while experience frequent interruptions.
Ability to identify and address multiple duties, work under pressure, and be flexible with changing priorities.
Adaptability and problem-solving skills sufficient to perform job duties effectively.
Experience with applying state and federal employment laws, Minnesota Statutes, personnel rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and State of Minnesota bargaining agreements/salary plans.
Ability and desire to work cooperatively with others as a team.
Knowledge and experience with complex workers' compensation policy and guidelines.
Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, managers, supervisors, and external sources.
Knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing software applications sufficient to independently manage documents, files, and spreadsheets.
Ability to lead payroll staff by guiding, training, and consulting staff daily to ensure processes are completed accurately and within set deadlines.
Problem solving skills sufficient to analyze, research, discuss, and handle complex and/or new situations and resolve issues/problems.
Preferred Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience processing payroll.
Three (3) years of experience performing paraprofessional, clerical, or technical duties in a human resources or finance office.
Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or closely related field.
Extensive experience in using SEMA4 or similar personnel management system sufficient to review employee and position information, pull standard reports, and accurately enter personnel transaction.
Experience in any of the following areas:
Data practices for personnel records
FMLA
FLSA
Workers' compensation
Unemployment compensation claims processing
Knowledge of the Minnesota Data Practices Act sufficient to respond appropriately to request for data.
Writing skills sufficient to draft letters, reports, and informational material for agency-wide distribution to employees.
Knowledge of the Minnesota Data Practices Act sufficient to respond appropriately to requests for data.
Writing skills sufficient to draft letters, reports, and informational material for agency-wide distribution to employees.
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are 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 follwoing 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.
