Community Liaison Officer / NR Spec 3 (CO-Commty Liaison)

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 84,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a full-time Community Liaison Officer in Saint Paul. The role focuses on outreach to the Southeast Asian community to enhance understanding and cooperation with DNR and public safety at field operations.

You will work with Conservation Officers and attend a 15-week Camp Ripley academy, followed by 16 weeks of field training. The position requires a Peace Officer License or eligibility by November 16, 2026, with strict standards for conduct

Qualifications

• Must hold a Peace Officer License or be eligible by November 16, 2026.
• Eligibility for POST reciprocity or certification by November 16, 2026.

Responsibilities

• Provide community liaison and outreach services to the Southeast Asian community.
• Support public safety, resource and recreation protection, and enforcement operations.
• Educate the public on game and fish laws, safety, and outdoor activities.
• Work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays; travel as required.

Job description

Working Title: Community Liaison Officer

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist 3 Conservation Officer Community Liaison

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 92915
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• 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: Enforcement
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $40.33 - $55.22 / hourly; $84,209 - $115,299 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 201 - MN Law Enforcement Assn/Law Enf
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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 fille one (1) full-time Community Liaison Officer in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This is a law enforcement position that exists to provide community liaison and outreach primarily to the southeast Asian community to increase understanding and cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources; public safety; resource and recreation protection response to all field operations of which the Division of Enforcement of the Department of Natural Resources is held responsible, according to applicable statutes, regulations, and policies.

Being a Conservation Officer (CO) is not just a rewarding career; it's an opportunity to make a difference by protecting Minnesota's natural resources and the people that use them.

Conservation Officers work to ensure public safety and compliance with state game and fish, recreational vehicle, and natural resource commercial operation laws. Responsibilities include law enforcement, public safety, and education in the following areas: hunting and fishing seasons, methods of taking animals and fish, possession limits, public safety, especially where it concerns alcohol use while hunting or operating recreational vehicles and watercraft, commercial use and possession of natural resources and products, the protection of the state's land, air, and water, and youth and adult safety training and hunter education classes.

Conservation Officers work variable hours to meet the seasonal needs in their assigned patrol areas and often work from a 4x4 patrol vehicle, a snowmobile, ATV, or from various watercraft. Conservation Officers are expected to work nights, weekends, holidays and game and fish season openers.

Selected candidates will attend a 15-week training academy at Camp Ripley in Little Falls, Minnesota where you will be expected to live onsite Monday through Friday. Following the 15-week training academy, successful candidates are then required to complete 16 weeks of field training where you will work closely with an experienced Conservation Officer.

Minimum Qualifications

A Peace Officer License is required.

• Or be eligible to be licensed by the MN Peace Officers Standards and Training Board (POST) by November 16th, 2026.
• Or complete basic police training and be certified as a full-time peace officer in a state or federal law enforcement agency with which Minnesota has reciprocity and pass the POST Board reciprocity exam by November 16, 2026.

Fluency in the Karen language, with the ability to effectively serve as a liaison to improve communication between Minnesota’s Karen community, Minnesota residents, and the DNR, ensuring the Karen community is well-informed about conservation issues, DNR rules and regulations, and available outdoor activities and resources.

Must continually strive to meet acceptable standards of behavioral competencies including but not limited to: being courageous in the face of adversity, demonstrating high levels of integrity and initiative, possessing a focus on the community / customer and respect for diversity, and displaying empathy and compassion for others.

Interest/passion in outdoor recreation activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping, ATV trail riding, snowmobiling, water recreation, etc.

Communication skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate in English legal and non-legal information to various people/audiences.

Ability and willingness to carry out the responsibilities of a licensed Peace Officer while performing the job in adverse weather and other environmental conditions and to work unusual, varying shifts including nights, weekends and holidays.

Ability to maintain self-control and respond quickly and appropriately to crisis and emergency situations.

Ability to enforce state and federal laws and assist people whose safety or property is threatened. At times, they must act immediately to protect the personal safety of another or apprehend persons suspected of committing crimes.

Must be able perform all duties with courtesy and professionalism to achieve and maintain the trust and respect of the public and fellow officers up to and including subduing a suspect using force as authorized by law. Must be prepared to use deadly force when justified.

Ability to clearly and accurately observe and record information, read, analyze, interpret and communicate information; detect and analyze information based on sight, smell, sound, etc.

Must be able to act with or without direct supervision and exercise good discretion and judgement while working independently or as a team.

Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with both internal and external customers.

Reading comprehension skill sufficient to interpret law, statutes, etc.

Oral and written communications skills sufficient to clearly, concisely and effectively communicate in English legal and non-legal information to various people/audiences.

No felony or gross misdemeanor conviction in Minnesota or crime in any other state or federal jurisdiction which would have been a felony if committed in Minnesota.

No other criminal convictions involving serious natural resource violations, crimes involving moral turpitude or two or more alcohol-related driving violations for the past ten years. No DWI, reckless or careless driving, or other serious driving violations within the last five years.

In addition to the above minimum qualifications, candidates must pass the general written exam to be admitted to other portions of the exam/selection process.

Preferred Qualifications

Post-secondary degree or emphasis in a Natural Resources related field.

Experience with outreach programs sufficient to plan and execute outreach events for the SE Asian Community.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.

All applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and the 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).

Other portions of the process will include oral interviews and completion of a comprehensive background investigation. Final job offers will be based on passing a medical evaluation, functional capacity exam and psychological evaluation.

Candidates must not have been disqualified from a previous Minnesota DNR Conservation Officer background investigation within the past 60 months. Please review the disqualification criteria information carefully. You must meet the minimum selection standards before being appointed to a peace officer position under Minnesota Administrative Rule 6700.0700.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jason Peterson at [e-mail] or 651-259-5838.

You can also visit the Conservation Officer Hiring Information website or contact the DNR Enforcement Recruitment at [e-mail].

if you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail].

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.

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