State Program Administrator Senior- Parks and Trails Development Specialist

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 84,000 - 122,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one Parks and Trails Development Specialist position in St. Paul, MN.

The role focuses on coordinating statewide development projects for parks, trails, and water access, providing leadership and technical expertise to implement park and trail initiatives. Responsibilities include leading development efforts, managing budgets and funding sources, and collaborating with other agencies, stakeholders, and consultants to ensure

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional level experience working with construction project management / planning including facilitating meetings, coordinating and tracking activities, managing processes, and analyzing data.
• Knowledge of facility projects, infrastructure construction, capital asset project management, building codes, rules, and laws.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing building, or site-based construction drawings.
• Knowledge of fiscal procedures and experience in budget preparation.
• Demonstrated experience implementing policies and procedures and explaining program regulations necessary for program administration.
• Knowledge of legislative process, laws, regulations, and budgets and how they impact work at state agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively to establish strong working relationships; work effectively as a team member, carry out work assignments, and possess the ability to identify issues, solve disputes, and recommend solutions.
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software sufficient to create / prepare reports, presentations, manage databases, and track projects

Responsibilities

• Support, coordinate, implement, and in some instances lead, new development and rehabilitation projects for parks, trails, and water access facilities, with funding that may include bonding, Legacy, water recreation, LCCMR, Land and Water Conservation, and grants on a statewide basis to ensure all programs goals, policies and procedural requirements are met.
• Support and coordinate Parks and Trails division’s facilities and infrastructure programs with DNR Management Resources to set standards for process, programs, designs, and initiatives related to division priorities.
• Support, coordinate, and consider the natural and cultural resource impacts related to statewide development activities by working with resource management group and MN Historical Society contractors, or other consultants. Consulting with the State Historic Preservation Office and other government agencies.
• Assist with the division’s capital funding priorities and budget preparation. Manage budgetary resources to meet program needs by supporting the preparation of reviewing, justifying, and evaluating budgets and statewide spending plans.
• Represent the division in working with other department divisions, government organizations, parks and recreation and trail organizations, user groups, and non-profit organizations, such as the National Park Service, the Department of Administration / MMB, buildings and signs team, and the Parks and Trails Council of MN.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Communication

Data analysis

Team collaboration

Facilities knowledge

Building codes

Education

Natural resource management

Outdoor recreation management

Natural science

Public administration

Public space planning and design

Architecture

Landscape architecture

Civil engineering

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD

Job description

• Education Verification
• License / Certification Verification

Working Title: Parks and Trails Development Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96439
• 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: 09/01/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• 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: Nonexempt
• 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Parks and Trails Development Specialist position in St. Paul, MN. Days of work are Monday - Friday. Work hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm.

This position will assist and coordinate the Parks and Trails Division's development program on a statewide basis. The incumbent will provide leadership, continuous improvement, strong communications, and serve as a technical expert for the division in the implementation of park, trail, and water access development projects, which includes, but is not limited to trails, roads, public water access, renewable energy, campgrounds, bridges, buildings, day use areas, overnight facilities, and utility systems.

Responsibilities Include But Not Limited To

• Support, coordinate, implement, and in some instances lead, new development and rehabilitation projects for parks, trails, and water access facilities, with funding that may include bonding, Legacy, water recreation, LCCMR, Land and Water Conservation, and grants on a statewide basis to ensure all programs goals, policies and procedural requirements are met.
• Support and coordinate Parks and Trails division’s facilities and infrastructure programs with DNR Management Resources to set standards for process, programs, designs, and initiatives related to division priorities.
• Support, coordinate, and consider the natural and cultural resource impacts related to statewide development activities by working with resource management group and MN Historical Society contractors, or other consultants. Consulting with the State Historic Preservation Office and other government agencies.
• Assist with the division’s capital funding priorities and budget preparation. Manage budgetary resources to meet program needs by supporting the preparation of reviewing, justifying, and evaluating budgets and statewide spending plans. The capital budget includes several funding types, such as bonding, Legacy, LCCMR, water recreation account, and federal and local grants.
• Represent the division in working with other department divisions, government organizations, parks and recreation and trail organizations, user groups, and non-profit organizations, such as the National Park Service, the Department of Administration / MMB, buildings and signs team, and the Parks and Trails Council of MN.

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

• Three (3) years of professional level experience working with construction project management / planning including facilitating meetings, coordinating and tracking activities, managing processes, and analyzing data.

While not required, a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management, natural science, public administration, public space planning and design, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Project management skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
• Knowledge of facility projects, infrastructure construction, capital asset project management, building codes, rules, and laws.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing building, or site-based construction drawings.
• Knowledge of fiscal procedures and experience in budget preparation.
• Demonstrated experience implementing policies and procedures and explaing program regulations necessary for program administration.
• Knowledge of legislative process, laws, regulations, and budgets and how they impact work at state agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively to establish strong working relationships; work effectively as a team member, carry out work assignments, and possess the ability to identify issues, solve disputes, and recommend solutions.
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software sufficient to create / prepare reports, presentations, manage databases, and track projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management, natural science, public administration, public space planning and design, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering or a closely related field.
• Project management skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
• GIS skills, including ability to mark locations in the field, make maps, and manage databases associated with the Geographical Information System program.
• Demonstrated skills using AutoCAD.

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.

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.