Senior Parks & Trails Lead - Field Ops & Programs

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Sauk Rapids, MN, seeks a permanent, full-time Parks & Trails Area Specialist to lead a field crew and oversee planning, maintenance, and operations of NR facilities and trails across Area 3A. Typical schedule is M–F, 7:00am–3:30pm, with potential evenings and travel.

The role covers multiple counties and involves budgeting, grant administration, and enforcement to ensure safe, high-quality outdoor recreation and natural resource programs.

Qualifications

• Two years of para-professional or professional experience in outdoor recreation and natural resources management programs, facilities or projects.
• Associate degree or higher in NR management, parks/recreation, business, communications, or related field.
• A Bachelor's or advanced degree may substitute for one year of the required experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide lead worker direction to staff, contractors, and volunteers for assigned programs.
• Implement development, maintenance, and rehabilitation programs for safe, high-quality facilities.
• Collaborate on planning, policy development, grant administration, and fiscal management.
• Support land management activities for acquisition and development projects including leases and easements.
• Administer resource management programs to protect and rehabilitate natural and cultural resources.
• Conduct enforcement, emergency, visitor, and public relations activities to protect resources and inform the public.

Skills

Outdoor recreation facilities

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Writing skills

Computer literacy

Physical stamina

Education

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

Bachelor's degree substitution for one year of experience

Job description

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in Sauk Rapids, MN, seeks a permanent, full-time Parks & Trails Area Specialist to lead a field crew and oversee planning, maintenance, and operations of NR facilities and trails across Area 3A. Typical schedule is M–F, 7:00am–3:30pm, with potential evenings and travel.

The role covers multiple counties and involves budgeting, grant administration, and enforcement to ensure safe, high-quality outdoor recreation and natural resource programs.