NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Sauk Rapids (MN); On-site; USD 62,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a permanent, full-time NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails in Sauk Rapids, MN. This role leads the Sauk Rapids Area 3A field crew and oversees planning, management, and operations of parks, trails, and related facilities across multiple counties.

Work is mostly Monday–Friday, with potential evenings and travel. Candidates should have a natural resources background and strong leadership and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and relevant experience in planning, reports, and staff leadership.
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.
• Conflict resolution and clear communication skills.
• Writing skills to develop work plans, reports, and proposals using business language.
• Computer/communication equipment proficiency for administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead worker direction to staff, contractors, and volunteers for assigned programs.
• Implement development, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs to ensure safe, high-quality facilities.
• Collaborate on planning, grant administration, and fiscal management to meet agency goals.
• Support land management activities for acquisitions and development projects; manage leases and easements.
• Administer resource management programs to restore or protect natural/cultural resources.
• Conduct enforcement, emergency, visitor, and public relations services to protect resources and inform the public.

Skills

Lead work direction

Outdoor recreation facilities know‑how

Policy development

Communication skills

Writing skills

Budget and process management

Education

Associate degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications

Bachelor's or advanced degree may substitute for 1 year of experience

Tools

Word processing software

Spreadsheets (Excel)

Presentation software

Job description

Working Title: NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

Job Class: Natural Resources Specialist Senior Parks & Trails

• Job ID: 98038
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 11/03/2026
• Closing Date: 11/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Parks and Trails Region 3
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, up to 25%
• 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

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 DNR is seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time Parks & Trails Area Specialist at the Sauk Rapids Area office, in Sauk Rapids, MN. Days and hours of work will generally be Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm, and may include evenings, nights and weekends for meetings and travel.

This position exists to provide professional assistance in the planning, management and operations of Area 3A Parks and Trails facilities including state trails, Grant-In-Aid (GIA) snowmobile, ATV, ski, ORV, OHM trails, forest recreation areas and campground, public water accesses, fishing piers, water trails outdoor recreation and natural resources management programs. The work area includes the counties of Benton, Kanabec, Morrison, Mille Lacs, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, and Wright. This position assists the Area Supervisor with oversight and direction of the Sauk Rapids Area 3A field crew of seven seasonal employees.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Provide lead worker direction to staff, contractors, and volunteers for assigned programs so that employees perform assigned duties and an efficient and effective operation is achieved.
• Implement development, maintenance, operational, real estate, and rehabilitation programs 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.
• Collaborate on planning, policy development, grant administration, and fiscal management, to accomplish agency and division goals and objectives (e.g., integrated work plans, effective policies and use of funds, financial accountability) in accordance with rules and guidelines.
• Provide staff support for land management activities pertaining to acquisition and development projects so that leases, easements, cooperative agreements, potential trespass, encroachments, and illegal use are identified and resolved.
• Administer resource management programs so that natural communities and cultural resources are restored, protected, or rehabilitated consistent with statewide and regional objectives and requirements.
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate 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 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

• Bachelor 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.
• Expert 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.

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 Nikki Hegna at [e-mail] or 320-223-7862.

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.