NR Tech Parks & Trails

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Elysian (MN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician – Parks and Trails in Elysian, MN. Work is Mon–Thu, 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. with a Class A license requirement, and travel within Region 4.

The role leads field staff, provides technical support for land management and rehabilitation projects, and supports data analysis and GIS tasks for park systems.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area.
• Two years (24 months) experience in laborer/grounds/park work with knowledge of construction, landscaping, equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Assist with creation of work plans and direct field staff, seasonal staff, volunteers, and crews.
• Provide technical assistance in managing Area 4C – Elysian Office.
• Implement operations, development, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, provide GIS support, and support division administratively.
• Enforce division rules and state laws and respond to emergencies.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public contact experience

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Equipment operation

Advanced Chainsaw Certification

Education

Associate’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management

Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or related

Tools

GPS

GIS

Tractor operation

Job description

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Parks & Trails

• Job ID: 96721
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/09/2026
• Closing Date:09/29/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 4
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $24.84 - $34.84 / hourly; $51,865 - $72,745 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Parks & Trails Technician

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Parks & Trails

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96721
• Location: Elysian
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/09/2026
• Closing Date:09/29/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 4
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift 7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Days of Work: Monday - Thursday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $24.84 - $34.84 / hourly; $51,865 - $72,745 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Elysian
• 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 Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician Parks and Trails position, located in Elysian, MN. The days of work are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This position acts as a lead worker providing technical work in implementing programs, activities, policies and rules among Minnesota's state parks and trails systems, including promoting effective land acquisition, land management and development and rehabilitation projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with the creation of work plans and directs the activities of field staff, seasonal staff, volunteers and/or crews and contractors.
• Provide technical assistance in the management and operations of Area 4C – Elysian Office.
• Implement operations and development, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, provide GIS support, and provide administrative support to the division.
• Implement visitor and public relations to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Enforce division rules and state laws, respond to emergencies, and implement resource management programs.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Position requires a Class A license, passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise, qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.

• An Associate’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis, Recreation Resource Management, Environmental Studies.

• Two years (24 months) experience as a Laborer Trades and Equipment, General Laborer, Building and Grounds Worker, Parks Worker or other classification performing similar work which will include working knowledge of construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.

Additional Requirements

• Work experience providing work direction to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups. TO RECEIVE CREDIT, APPLICANT RESUMES MUST REFLECT past experience with responsibilities for establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
• Public contact experience.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for park visitors.
• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to deal effectively with staff and park visitors when issues arise.
• Skill in word processing sufficient to create professional looking documents with proper grammar and punctuation and spreadsheet skills sufficient to track and report data.
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
• Ability to operate tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, chain saws, etc.
• Ability to acquire Advanced Chainsaw Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Class A Driver’s License
• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g., Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure
• Knowledge and experience of (or the ability to become proficient in) GPS and GIS in establishing locations, marking, tracking, creating databases and reporting.
• Equipment operation and routine maintenance experience (ex: changing tires; operating equipment; backing up large vehicles) on outdoor vehicles and equipment such as tractor loader, backhoe, one ton and larger trucks, pickups, OHV’s, and riding mowers.
• Experience and skills assessing area programs and facility condition.
• Experience providing direction to field staff, volunteers, or other supplemental work groups for work plans.
• Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for recreation users.
• Experience establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
• Public contact experience.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program. 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 David Olsen at [e-mail] or 507-217-4217.

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 Ashley Luecken 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
• 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

• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children

• 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)

• 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.