Signage Specialist - NR Progam Coordinator

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Signage Specialist to enhance signage across Minnesota's parks and trails. This role involves project management, graphic design, and collaboration with various teams to improve visitor experiences. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in design and project coordination.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care

Qualifications

• Two years of professional experience designing exhibits and signage.
• Knowledge of accessible design and installation for exhibits, graphics, and signage.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate orientation, wayfinding, and informational projects statewide.
• Design and produce orientation and wayfinding signage for PAT units.

Skills

Project Management

Graphic Design

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural or cultural resources

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Working Title : Signage Specialist
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 86138
• Location: St Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/16/2025
• Closing Date: 06/05/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - site visits and meetings
• Salary Range:$31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,649 - $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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.

Job Summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Parks and Trails Division (PAT) is currently seeking to fill one (1) NR Program Coordinator at our Central Office in St Paul. This position exists to improve signage throughout the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system (including state parks, trails, recreation areas, forest recreation areas, and public water accesses). Improved signage helps connect people to the outdoors and creates a safe and welcoming environment for all visitors.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan, coordinate and lead orientation, wayfinding, and informational projects statewide. Projects range from 1 to 500 signs at each unit within the Minnesota State Parks and Trails system. While much of the work is indoors and computer-based, site visits are required for planning purposes. Site visits include driving to locations throughout the state, driving to and walking around unit amenities, hiking trails, examining points along roadways, and gathering detailed sign location and content data. Outdoor work is in a variety of outdoor environmental conditions.
• Design and produce orientation and wayfinding signage for PAT units statewide.
• Consult and lead PAT staff on division wayfinding and regulatory signage standards, messaging, graphic layout, and universal design.
• Serve as a PAT subject-matter expert for wayfinding systems and accessible non-personal communications.
• Work collaboratively with staff statewide to accomplish the goals of each project.
• While the emphasis of this position is to lead division orientation and wayfinding efforts, they will also work on non-personal interpretive projects.

This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis. This position has a limited flexible work arrangement andmay be eligible to teleworkon a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural or cultural resources (such as American History, anthropology, or archeology), physical sciences (such as ecology, zoology, botany, geology, or geography) communications, interpretation, graphic design, environmental education or parks and recreation management or equivalent.
• Two years of professional experience designing exhibits, signage, and other non-personal interpretive and informational media. Design software skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud).
• Knowledge of accessible design and installation for exhibits, graphics, and signage.
• Knowledge of electronic information accessibility.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of effective graphic design.
• Experience managing projects and teams.
• Ability to write in plain language and to effectively refine sign text.
• Well-developed problem-solving skills.
• Organization skills sufficient to effectively manage multiple job duties.
• Advanced human relations skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in interpretation and/or interpretive writing.
• Five years of professional graphic design experience.
• Contracting and purchasing experience.
• Knowledge or experience evaluating non-personal interpretive media.
• Knowledge of Minnesota's natural and cultural resources.
• Knowledge of parks and trails unit operations, rules, policies, and facilities.
• Supervision or lead work experience.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.

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:

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 Layla Daleiden 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

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.