NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Lake Park (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Health insurance

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a NR Specialist Senior Parks & Trails at Rice Lake State Park. You will lead development, manage land acquisitions, coordinate partnerships, and supervise projects across Parks and Trails Area 4D.

Applicants should bring experience in planning, resource management, and community collaboration. The role includes day shifts, a Monday–Friday schedule, and opportunities for growth within a supportive state system.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or closely related field, and TWO YEARS of para-professional or professional experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, education, public relations, business management or closely related field may substitute for one year of the experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate development work plans of the Parks and Trails programs.
• Lead land acquisition activities of the Parks and Trails programs.
• Facilitate partnerships and liaise with citizens, private entities, local government and other agencies.

Skills

Outdoor recreation knowledge

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Written communication

Computer proficiency

Physical stamina

Education

Associates degree in Natural Resources Management or related field

Bachelor’s or advanced degree may substitute for one year experience

Job description

• Job ID: 97622


• Location: Rice Lake State Park


• Full/Part Time: Full-Time


• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited


• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers


• Date Posted: 10/10/2026


• Closing Date: 10/30/2026


• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources


• Division/Unit: Parks and Trails Region 4


• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift


• Days of Work: Monday - Friday


• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time


• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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: NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior Parks & Trails

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

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 to fill one (1) full-time NR Specialist Senior Parks and Trails position located at Rice Lake State Park in Owatonna, Minnesota. Days and hours of work are 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

This position exists to lead and coordinate development projects, acquire property, conduct property management activities, and participate in the planning and operation of Parks and Trails recreation facilities in Parks and Trails Area 4D and at Rice Lake State Park. This includes strategic coordination of acquisition and development opportunities in public water access, state water trails, state trails, state parks and recreation areas, other units, and related divisional activity.

• Lead and coordinate development work plans of the assigned Parks and Trails programs so that work plan goals, policies and procedures are followed, and projects are completed according to specifications.


• Lead the land acquisition activities of the assigned Parks and Trails programs so that work plan goals, policies and procedures are fulfilled.


• Facilitate with the establishment of partnerships, provide information, and be a liaison with private citizens, private business, interest groups, local units of government, other governmental agencies, and Department disciplines so that the Department’s community partnership mission, and within that, the Parks and Trails Division’s recreation mission is accomplished.


• Conduct enforcement, emergency, visitor, and public relations services and activities to protect resources, facilities, visitors and staff; promote positive public relations; inform the public and others about division activities and goals; and ensure state, agency, department and division rules are followed.


• Lead, coordinate, and evaluate the natural and cultural impacts related to all development activities by working with resource management unit and Minnesota Historical Society archeologist and historians with consultation from the State Historic Preservation office and other government agencies.


• Assist in all phases of planning from conceptualization through development for the assigned Parks and Trails projects so that work plans, policies and procedures are fulfilled.


• To actively seek and participate in professional development so that leadership and management skills are current with accepted.


• Provide staff support for land management activities pertaining to acquisition and development projects so that leases, easements, cooperative agreements, potential trespass, encroachments, and illegal uses are identified and resolved.


• In collaboration with the on-site supervisor, assist in implementing development, maintenance, operational, and rehabilitation programs, projects or activities so that safe, high-quality facilities and programs are available to the public, natural and cultural resources are preserved and protected, and programs/facilities comply with relevant standards and state codes.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or closely related field, and TWO YEARS of para-professional or professional experience which includes: creating work plans and/or preparing reports; providing lead work direction to staff; administering and/or supporting work that includes outdoor recreation and/or natural resources management programs, facilities or projects; administrative experience with budget and process management.

A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, education, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field may substitute for one year of the experience listed above.

AND

• Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.


• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.


• Communications skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses to individuals and groups.


• Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize work plans, reports, presentations and/or proposals using appropriate business language.


• Ability to use and understand computer and communication equipment sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and complete work effectively. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.


• Ability to navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment), and endure physical exertion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related degree.


• Experience and skill managing natural areas such as exotic species control, prescribed burning, conducting resource inventories and preparing environmental impact assessments.


• Experience prioritizing work and managing projects with multiple teams.


• Experience in preparing natural resource management plans, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing data.


• Experience coordinating resource projects.


• Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other agencies.


• Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, writing articles and publications.


• Experience serving the public, negotiating, resolving conflict and facilitating small and large groups.


• Knowledge of Natural Resources outdoor recreation facilities, programs and policies.


• Human relations skills sufficient to establish rapport, motivate, secure commitment and coordinate consensus among staff and non-staff.

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 CheckLicense / 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.