Working Title: Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section Manager
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Manager
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 96467
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 : 08/26/2026
Closing Date : 09/15/2026
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 and events
Salary Range: $48.21 - $69.21 / hourly; $100,662 - $144,510 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Managerial/Unrepresented
FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive
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) Full-Time Unlimited Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section Manager position located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position exists to manage and direct the Division's statewide programs and services in water regulation, environmental review, land-use and dam safety. In providing oversight and management of the section's programs and services the position supports the DNR mission.
Responsibilities include:
Provide strategic direction, planning, administration, and management of the Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section programs.
Provide strategic leadership and supervision for Section staff to attain program standards ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures.
Coordinate and act as a liaison between the Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section and other Division sections, regional managers and program supervisors, other Department managers and programs, and external agencies and organizations.
Collaborate as an active member of the Division Leadership Team (DLT) and other statewide teams to interpret and translate the Division's and Department's mission and vision into operational direction.
Direct the development and management of biennial budgets and annual spending plans for the Section; and identify and pursue opportunities to secure and leverage external funding sources.
Actively seek and participate in professional development, so that leadership and management skills are maintained and enhanced.
Promote and support a healthy, safe, inclusive and productive work environment for all employees.
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 natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management, or closely related field.
A minimum of three (3) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management (or closely related field) programs and staff.
Management and/or leadership skills, administrative, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff.
Ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of multi-disciplined interests into decisions and actions.
Experience working with elected government officials, local units of government staff, state and federal agencies, watershed districts, lake associations, environmental and industry organizations, community groups, and other key staff and officials from related organizations.
Experience in negotiation, conflict resolution and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
Organizational and planning skills sufficient to develop and implement long-range strategic and operational plans and short-range work plans.
Oral and written communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences.
Knowledge of the legislative process and functions.
Experience in creating and managing complex, multiple-account budgets.
Ability to direct effective workplace safety programs.
Preferred Qualifications
Supervisory or managerial experience in state government.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience in the areas of ecological, natural, or water resource management.
Experience with Minnesota's executive branch budget development and fiscal management processes and requirements.
Advanced degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management or closely related field.
Experience in developing legislative proposals and testifying before state/federal legislative bodies.
Leadership experience in advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in the work environment.
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.
