Working Title: Public Water Inventory Update Support
Job Class: Planner Senior State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 96063
Location : St. Paul
Telework Eligible : Yes, up to 50% upon successful completion of probationary period
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/15/2026
Closing Date : 09/04/2026
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 meetings
Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE.
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
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 fill one (1) permanent full-time Public Water Inventory Update Support - Planner Senior State position located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position ensures the protection of Minnesota public waters through the department's water regulatory activities. The primary purpose of this position is to support delivery of the Public Waters Inventory (PWI) Update as directed by the 2024 Minnesota State Legislature.
Responsibilities include:
Project management activities supporting the technical review team in their evaluation of lakes, wetlands, and watercourses including planning resources, schedule management, and problem-solving.
Lead public outreach and engagement efforts, including facility and logistics planning, communications and implementation of public meetings.
Support public comment process by ensuring robust public engagement, comment management, and development of responses with technical support.
Maintain project website and communication tools throughout life of the project.
Assist with other project management support activities within the section and division.
Ensure all tasks are carried out efficiently, consistently, and in accordance with established division and agency-level policies and protocols.
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
A Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, water or natural resources management, or related field.
Two (2) years demonstrated project management experience leading a team or project in a natural resources or environmental field, including planning, coordination, and tracking of timelines.
Written and verbal communications skills sufficient to translate highly technical information into public-facing documents and presentations that are understandable, accessible, and audience-specific.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
Experience in planning and facilitation skills sufficient to coordinate and facilitate project team meetings and/or workshops, public meetings, and public engagement.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to produce and maintain word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Preferred Qualifications
Four (4) years demonstrated project management experience leading a team or project in a natural resources or environmental field, including planning, coordination, and tracking of timelines.
Advanced degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, water or natural resources management, or related field.
Experience with water resource regulation administration.
Experience developing, administering, and tracking workflow processes.
Experience in project management software tools such as Microsoft 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.
