Parks and Trails Grants Specialist Supervisor

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 109,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Health insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Parks and Trails Grants Supervisor in St. Paul.

This leadership role oversees grant programs, ensures compliance, and mentors a team of six professionals responsible for daily grant management, reporting, and financial oversight. Ideal candidates have 4+ years in grant administration and 2+ years in supervision, with strong communication and MS Office skills.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional experience in grant administration or compliance.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience including staff management.
• Knowledge of federal and state grant laws, rules, and policies.
• Analytical thinking to review financial data and interpret regulations.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities across projects.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and lead the Parks and Trails grant staff, ensuring accountability and collaboration.
• Oversee daily grants operations to maintain compliance with state laws and policies.
• Build and maintain strong grantee relationships and ensure program transparency.
• Lead creation, execution, and oversight of a major statewide grant program (> $55 million).
• Ensure program integrity, and balance diverse needs while preventing fraud.

Skills

Grant administration

Supervisory experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting, public policy, public administration, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Education Verification
• License / Certification Verification

Working Title: Parks and Trails Grants Unit Supervisor

Job Class: Grants Specialist Supervisor

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 95899
• 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:10/12/2026
• Closing Date: 11/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Central Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $37.28 - $53.97 / hourly; $77,840 - $112,689 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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 a Parks and Trails Grants Supervisor in St. Paul, Minnesota. The hours and days of work are Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm

This position provides leadership and oversight for the Parks and Trails grant programs, ensuring its success through effective management, compliance, and transparency. Serve as the agency's primary representative and coordinator for federal and state grants assigned to this unit while supervising and mentoring the grant team, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and excellence in grant administration. Provide direct supervision and leadership to a team of six professionals responsible for daily grant program execution, compliance oversight, and financial management. Ensure that grant funds are distributed, monitored, and evaluated effectively, while implementing risk mitigation strategies to prevent fraud, financial mismanagement, and noncompliance. Establish technical assistance, reporting, and monitoring frameworks to support grantees, many of whom have limited experience managing state funds.

This position plays a critical role in problem-solving, balancing legislative directives, agency objectives, and operational realities to address complex challenges with financial, legal, and reputational consequences.

Responsibilities Include

• Supervise and lead the Parks and Trails grant staff, fostering collaboration, professionalism, and accountability in grant administration, compliance, and community engagement.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure grants are managed in compliance with state laws and policies, creating and maintaining strong grantee relationships and ensuring program transparency.
• Collaborate with other supervisors to resolve challenges and improve efficiency.
• Lead the creation, execution, and ongoing oversight of a significant statewide grant program that awards, manages, and monitors multi-millions in grants annually (commonly over $55 million).
• Ensure program integrity, transparency, and effectiveness in a high-profile environment subject to legislative and public scrutiny.
• Balance the needs of diverse grantees, including those with limited grant experience, while maintaining safeguards against fraud and ensuring compliance.
• Serve as the Division's lead to Operations Service Division office of grant management and National Park Service, establishing, coordinating and supporting success by fostering productive relationships, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring alignment with program goals and objectives.

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

• Four (4) years of professional experience in grant administration or compliance.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience that includes working knowledge of human resources policies and procedures, understanding of labor contracts sufficient to interview and select staff affirmatively, assignment of work, scheduling, and performance management.
• Knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, rules, policies and concepts governing grant programs sufficient to administer statewide grant programs.
• Analytical and critical thinking skills to review complex financial and program data, interpret regulations, identify issues, and develop practical solutions to complex policy and program administration issues.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to balance competing priorities and deliver results across a wide variety of high-profile projects and issues with a variety of internal and external clients.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office or equivalent software sufficient to create and interpret work products of professional staff, track and analyze reports, create and interpret spreadsheets and financial analyses, and use databases.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills sufficient to supervise, train, and motivate staff, resolve conflicts and manage change while maintaining a positive and accountable work environment.
• Effective communication skills sufficient to convey complex information clearly, ensure program compliance, resolve disputes, recommend solutions, and build strong working relationships with Agency leadership and external stakeholders as well as Agency staff, other state agencies, grantees and the public.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, public policy, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience in a natural resources agency or organization.
• Experience leading or facilitating process improvement initiatives with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience with state budgeting, legislative, or public policy-making processes at the federal, state, or local level.
• Experience applying generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and internal control principles such as monitoring, training, and separation of duties.
• Experience with the state’s financial and related systems and fiscal data.
• Experience with community-based organizations and equity in grantmaking within the environmental and natural resources fields.

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

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.