Working Title: Acquisition and Development Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior Parks & Trails
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 95804
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 : 07/29/2026
Closing Date :08/18/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Region 3
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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 Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Acquisition and Development Specialist located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Days and hours of work are 7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday through Friday.
This position exists to lead and coordinate development projects, acquire property, conduct property management activities, and participate in the planning of Parks and Trails recreation facilities. This includes strategic coordination of acquisition and development opportunities in public water accesses, state water trails, state trails, state parks and recreation areas, state forest recreation areas, other units, and related divisional activity.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Lead and coordinate development work plans of the assigned Parks and Trails programs so that work plan goals, policies and procedures are followed, and projects are completed according to specifications.
Lead the land acquisition activities of the assigned Parks and Trails programs.
Facilitate with the establishment of the partnerships, provide information, and be a liaison with private citizens, private business, interest groups, local units of government, other governmental agencies, and Department disciplines.
Lead, coordinate, and evaluate the natural and cultural impacts related to all development activities by working with resource management unit and Minnesota Historical Society archeologist and historians with consultation from the State Historic Preservation office and other governmental agencies.
Assist in all phases of planning from conceptual through development for the assigned Parks and Trails projects.
To actively seek and participate in professional development so that leadership and management skills are current.
Provide staff support for land management activities pertaining to acquisition and development projects so that leases, easements, cooperative agreements, potential trespass, encroachments, and illegal uses are identified and resolved.
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
Associates degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or closely related field, and TWO YEARS of para-professional or professional experience which includes: creating work plans and/or preparing reports; providing lead work direction to staff; administering and/or supporting work that includes outdoor recreation and/or natural resources management programs, facilities or projects; administrative experience with budget and process management.
A Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, education, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field may substitute for one year of the experience listed above.
AND
Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.
Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.
Communications skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses to individuals and groups.
Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize work plans, reports, presentations and/or proposals using appropriate business language.
Ability to use and understand computer and communication equipment sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and complete work effectively. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Ability to navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment), and endure physical exertion.
Preferred Qualifications
Master or Bachelor's degreein Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related degree.
Experience prioritizing work and managing projects with multiple teams.
Experience in preparing natural resource management plans, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing data.
Experience coordinating resource projects.
Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other agencies.
Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, writing articles and publications.
Experience serving the public, negotiating, resolving conflict and facilitating small and large groups.
Knowledge of Natural Resources outdoor recreation facilities, programs and policies.
Human relations skills sufficient to establish rapport, motivate, secure commitment and coordinate consensus among staff and non-staff.
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.
