Grants Specialist 3 - Grants Specialist 3

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Bemidji (MN); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Disability insurance

Health insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching the ENRTF Community Grants Program to expand funding for community-based natural resource projects. Grants Specialist 3 will lead grant administration, provide technical assistance, and ensure compliance across a growing portfolio in Bemidji, MN.

This role supports the Community Grants team with RFP development, evaluation, monitoring, and timely reimbursements, while collaborating with partners statewide.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional experience in grant, contract, financial, compliance, project, or program administration.
• Experience reviewing financial, programmatic, contractual, or compliance information.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, policies, contracts, procedures, or program requirements.
• Provide technical assistance, training, or other support to organizations navigating complex requirements.
• Manage projects or workloads with deadlines and accountability.
• Identify and resolve financial, compliance, or administrative issues.
• A bachelor’s degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to assist applicants and grantees.
• Knowledge of grant or government program administration.

Responsibilities

• Perform core aspects of grant administration, including proposal evaluation, grantee communication, payment processing, compliance monitoring, records management, policy adherence, audit support, and grant closeout.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to an assigned caseload of applicants and grantees throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Support continuous improvement of program systems, documentation, and workflows.
• Provide flexible, proactive support to the grants team to ensure smooth operations and timely progress on evolving program priorities.

Skills

Grant administration

Policy interpretation

Technical assistance

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Database software

Job description

Job Class: Grants Specialist 3

• Job ID: 98074
• Location: Bemidji
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/05/2026
• Closing Date: 11/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services / Community Grants Team
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• 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: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Job ID: 98074
• Location: Bemidji
• Telework Eligible: Yes; Hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/05/2026
• Closing Date: 11/30/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services / Community Grants Team
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• 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: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Grants Specialist 3

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 (DNR) is launching the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grants Program — a high-visibility, high-impact initiative designed to expand access to funding and support community-based natural resource projects across Minnesota. We are building a mission-driven team to stand up and lead this program from the ground up. If you are energized by designing systems, collaborating across sectors, and ensuring public funds are managed with excellence and integrity, this is a unique opportunity to help shape a new statewide program at its inception.

The Community Grants team partners with the Community Grants Advisory Council, agency leadership, legislators, grantees, and communities statewide to design and administer Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluate and award grants, monitor compliance and performance, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.

The DNR is seeking to fill one permanent Grants Specialist 3 position within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS) at our office in Bemidji, MN.

The Grants Specialist Senior serves as a primary point of contact for an assigned caseload of Community Grants applicants and grantees. The position provides technical assistance throughout the grant process, helps applicants and grantees understand program requirements, reviews financial and program information, monitors compliance, processes grant-related documentation and reimbursements, maintains accurate records, and helps resolve issues throughout the grant lifecycle.

The position works with organizations that have different levels of experience navigating state grant requirements. The role also supports lead team members in RFP development, evaluation, monitoring, and compliance activities while providing flexible, proactive support to ensure smooth program launch and implementation.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Perform core aspects of grant administration, including proposal evaluation, grantee communication, payment processing, compliance monitoring, records management, policy adherence, audit support, and grant closeout.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to an assigned caseload of applicants and grantees throughout the grant lifecycle, including helping organizations understand program processes, requirements, documentation, reimbursements, compliance expectations, changes, reporting, and closeout.
• Support continuous improvement of program systems, documentation, and workflows.
• Provide flexible, proactive support to the grants team to ensure smooth operations and timely progress on evolving program priorities.

This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location at least 50% of the time.

Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) years of professional experience in grant, contract, financial, compliance, project, or program administration. Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform at least three of the following:

• Review financial, programmatic, contractual, or compliance information for adherence to established requirements.
• Interpret and apply laws, policies, contracts, procedures, or program requirements.
• Provide technical assistance, training, or other support to individuals or organizations navigating complex requirements.
• Manage projects, programs, contracts, grants, or an assigned workload involving deadlines, documentation, and accountability.
• Identify and resolve financial, compliance, programmatic, or administrative issues.
• A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field (another field that provides relevant preparation for the responsibilities of the position) may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Knowledge of grant, contract, financial, compliance, or program administration sufficient to review information, apply requirements, maintain accurate documentation, identify issues, and support effective program administration.
• Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to explain complex requirements in plain language, provide technical assistance, respond effectively to questions, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, grantees, colleagues, and other partners.
• Analytical and critical-thinking skills sufficient to interpret and apply statutes, policies, contracts, procedures, and other requirements; analyze financial and programmatic information; identify issues and alternative solutions; and make sound recommendations.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to manage multiple assignments or an assigned caseload, meet deadlines, maintain accurate documentation, adapt to changing priorities, and resolve issues.
• Ability to provide effective service and technical assistance to applicants and grantees with different levels of experience navigating grant or government program requirements, including the ability to identify communication or procedural barriers and adapt assistance within program requirements.
• Computer skills sufficient to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, communication, and related business applications to maintain records, analyze information, and prepare professional work products.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field (another field that provides relevant preparation for the responsibilities of the position).
• Experience providing technical assistance, training, case management, customer service, or individualized support to people or organizations navigating complex programs or requirements.
• Experience administering grants, contracts, reimbursements, financial compliance, monitoring, audit activities, or other public or nonprofit funding processes.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, local governments, Tribal Nations and Tribal governments, or other organizations/entities with differing levels of experience navigating government programs.
• Ability to communicate verbally in a language in addition to English that is used by communities served by the program, at a level sufficient to provide applicant and grantee technical assistance and explain program processes, requirements, and routine grant guidance.
• Experience identifying and implementing improvements to administrative processes, guidance, forms, workflows, or customer service.
• Experience with environmental, natural-resource, community-development, or other publicly funded programs.

Additional Requirements

This position has no driving duties required.

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.