Working Title: Rural Fire Program Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID : 96396
Location : Grand Rapids, Minnesota Interagency Fire Center
Telework Eligible : Yes
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 09/17/2026
Closing Date : 10/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit : Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, 10% or less
Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status : Exempt - Professional
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 Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) NR Forestry Program Coordinator located in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MIFC). This position exists to administer the Volunteer Firefighter Assistance (VFA) grant program. In addition, this position leads the U.S. Forest Service Federal Excess Personal Property (FEPP) and Department of Defense, Firefighter Property (DoD-FFP) programs for the Division of Forestry statewide. The position also provides management, planning, implementation, and coordination of federal surplus property in the state that is granted or loaned to fire departments. The position will monitor and analyze Rural Fire Program's acquisitions to ensure they meet state and federal guidelines
Responsibilities include:
Coordinating and administering the VFA program activities utilizing both federal and state grant funds
Coordinating and leading the United State Forest Service (USFS) Federal Excess Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Property (FFP) programs
Facilitate collaboration between structural fire service agencies and the MN DNR Division of Forestry
Minimum Qualifications
There are 3 minimum qualification pathways:
Three (3) years experience coordinating, training, or administering programs serving fire departments as well as managing or facilitating grants, contracts, and agreements.
OR
Two (2) years advanced level professional experience leading a complex program including planning, leading staff, assigning work, monitoring accomplishments, administering a budget, administering and implementing programs.
OR
Three (3) years intermediate professional experience administering sub-programs or single programs.
In Addition
Knowledge and experience with structure fire department equipment and apparatus
Knowledge of wildland fire management principles sufficient to guide training and assistance to structure fire departments in wildland fire techniques.
Ability to plan, lead staff, administer budgets, implement programs, and consult.
Knowledge of the requirements and regulations for creating and administering state grants.
Ability to use financial data reporting tools and inventory tracking methods.
Ability and skill to utilize spreadsheets to collate and analyze data.
Ability and skill to formulate and communicate narratives, presentations, reports, complex concepts and principles in both verbal and written format to a variety of stakeholders.
A related master's degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; a related bachelor's degree may substitute for (12) months experience; and a related associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Five (5) or more years experience serving on a paid or volunteer fire department and qualified as NFPA Firefighter I and II
Two (2) or more years experience serving as chief or assistant chief on a fire department
Two (2) years experience cooperating and coordinating with wildland fire agencies (state, federal, tribal, local fire departments)Current National Wildland Coordinator Group (NWCG) "red card" qualification as a Unit Leader and above OR Single Resource Boss and above.
Knowledge of the technical aspects of wildland fire management such as the Incident Command System, wildland fire equipment, and wildland fire behavior
Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures, MN statute, and operating guidelines pertaining to fire management
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.
