Payroll Clerk - Human Resources Technician 1

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

Pension plan

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in St. Paul seeks multiple full-time Human Resources Technician 1 / Payroll Clerk positions. The roles provide payroll entry, labor distribution, and HR support to ensure employees are paid accurately and records are compliant.

Responsibilities include administering unemployment claims, assisting HR staff, and handling payroll transactions, while maintaining data integrity and confidentiality in a dynamic state environment.

Qualifications

• One year of experience entering high volumes of data into spreadsheets and databases within an HR or finance office.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information in accordance with guidelines.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Experience managing multiple responsibilities under pressure and adapting to changing priorities.
• Knowledge of applicable HR policies and Minnesota Data Practices requirements.
• Experience applying state and federal employment laws, statutes, and bargaining unit agreements.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.

Responsibilities

• Complete all payroll functions for the agency so that all employees are accurately paid and hours are properly recorded in compliance with state and federal laws, labor contracts, FLSA, and related policies.
• Provide administrative support to human resources staff.
• Perform general administrative activities.
• Assist employees, supervisors, and managers on various payroll functions.
• Administer unemployment insurance claims.

Skills

Data entry

Confidentiality

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Adaptability

HR policies

Minnesota Data Practices

Labor laws

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

Tools

SEMA4 system

HRIS

Payroll software

Job description

Job Class: Human Resources Technician 1

• Job ID: 96434
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 08/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services / Human Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $22.72 - $31.99 / hourly; $47,439 - $66,795 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Payroll Clerk

Job Class: Human Resources Technician 1

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96434
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/20/2026
• Closing Date: 08/26/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services / Human Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $22.72 - $31.99 / hourly; $47,439 - $66,795 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrepresented
• 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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill multiple full‑time Human Resources Technician 1/ Payroll Clerk positions in St. Paul. These positions provide technical and administrative support services for the DNR. These positions provide human resources support by completing entry of payroll and labor distribution for employees, providing auditing assistance on employee/position and payroll transactions, administering safety, unemployment, and workers' compensation, and providing administrative office support.

Responsibilities include:

• Complete all payroll functions for the agency so that all employees are accurately paid, and hours are properly recorded in compliance with State and Federal laws, labor union contracts, FLSA, workers' compensation, FMLA, and other policies and procedures.
• Provide administrative support to human resources staff.
• Perform general administrative activities.
• Assist employees, supervisors, and managers on various payroll functions.
• Administer unemployment insurance claims.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience entering high volumes of data into spreadsheets and databases within a human resources or finance office while meeting strict deadlines.
• Experience maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information in accordance with established guidelines.
• Demonstrated attention to detail in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
• Experience managing multiple responsibilities under pressure and adjusting to changing priorities.
• Strong adaptability and problem‑solving skills to effectively perform job duties.
• Knowledge of applicable Human Resources policies and guidelines.
• Knowledge of Minnesota Data Practices requirements sufficient to appropriately respond to data requests.
• Experience applying state and federal employment laws, Minnesota statutes, personnel rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and Minnesota bargaining unit agreements or salary plans.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, managers, supervisors, and external partners.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet, database, and word processing software sufficient to independently manage documents, files, and spreadsheets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience entering high volumes of data into spreadsheets and databases in a Human Resources or Finance office while meeting strict deadlines.
• Associate’s degree in accounting, finance, or a closely related field.
• Experience using SEMA4 or a similar personnel management system to review employee and position information, run standard reports, and accurately enter personnel transactions.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Data Practices related to personnel records
  • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  • Workers’ compensation
  • Unemployment compensation claims processing
• Strong writing skills sufficient to draft letters, reports, and informational materials for agency-wide distribution to employees.

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are 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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jennifer Rivera at [e-mail] or 651-259-5318.

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 Chelsie Fisher 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.