Natural Resources Forestry Program Coordinator

Sowela; Grand Rapids, Northern (MN, KY); Hybrid; USD 69,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hiring one NR Forestry Program Coordinator in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center to administer the Volunteer Firefighter Assistance grant program and lead FEPP and DoD-FFP programs statewide.

Responsibilities include coordinating grant activities, facilitating collaboration among structural fire service agencies, and managing federal surplus property, ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications include three pathways: three years coordinating grants or programs; two years senior level experience; or three years intermediate experience.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and administer the Volunteer Firefighter Assistance (VFA) grant program.
• Lead USFS FEPP and DoD-FFP programs for the Division of Forestry statewide.
• Manage federal surplus property and monitor Rural Fire Program acquisitions for compliance.

Job description

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: 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.

Job Summary

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

Qualifications

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Craig Ferguson at [e-mail] or 320-372-0918.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail]. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Hannah Ziemann at [e-mail].

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.