Working Title: Parks & Trails Technician
Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Parks & Trails
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 96721
Location : Elysian
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/09/2026
Closing Date :09/29/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Region 4
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Days of Work : Monday - Thursday
Travel Required : Yes
Salary Range: $24.84 - $34.84 / hourly; $51,865 - $72,745 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 207 - Technical/AFSCME
Work Area : Elysian
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 currently seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician Parks and Trails position, located in Elysian, MN. The days of work are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This position acts as a lead worker providing technical work in implementing programs, activities, policies and rules among Minnesota's state parks and trails systems, including promoting effective land acquisition, land management and development and rehabilitation projects.
Responsibilities include:
Assist with the creation of work plans and directs the activities of field staff, seasonal staff, volunteers and/or crews and contractors.
Provide technical assistance in the management and operations of Area 4C - Elysian Office.
Implement operations and development, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs.
Analyze data, prepare reports, provide GIS support, and provide administrative support to the division.
Implement visitor and public relations to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
Enforce division rules and state laws, respond to emergencies, and implement resource management programs.
Conduct other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Position requires a Class A license, passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise, qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
AND
An Associate's Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis, Recreation Resource Management, Environmental Studies.
OR
Two years (24 months) experience as a Laborer Trades and Equipment, General Laborer, Building and Grounds Worker, Parks Worker or other classification performing similar work which will include working knowledge of construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.
Additional Requirements:
Work experience providing work direction to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups. TO RECEIVE CREDIT, APPLICANT RESUMES MUST REFLECT past experience with responsibilities for establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
Public contact experience.
Interpersonal skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for park visitors.
Conflict resolution skills sufficient to deal effectively with staff and park visitors when issues arise.
Skill in word processing sufficient to create professional looking documents with proper grammar and punctuation and spreadsheet skills sufficient to track and report data.
Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
Ability to operate tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, chain saws, etc.
Ability to acquire Advanced Chainsaw Certification.
Preferred Qualifications
Class A Driver's License
Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g., Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure
Knowledge and experience of (or the ability to become proficient in) GPS and GIS in establishing locations, marking, tracking, creating databases and reporting.
Equipment operation and routine maintenance experience (ex: changing tires; operating equipment; backing up large vehicles) on outdoor vehicles and equipment such as tractor loader, backhoe, one ton and larger trucks, pickups, OHV's, and riding mowers.
Experience and skills assessing area programs and facility condition.
Experience providing direction to field staff, volunteers, or other supplemental work groups for work plans.
Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for recreation users.
Experience establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
Public contact experience.
Additional Requirements
This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. 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.
