State Program Administrator Senior- Parks and Trails Development Specialist

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework up to 50%

Day shift

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources seeks a Parks and Trails Development Specialist in St. Paul. This full-time, hybrid role leads statewide development projects for parks, trails, and water access, coordinating funding and stakeholder engagement, with a busy schedule Monday–Friday.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in construction project management, budgeting, and policy coordination, plus GIS and AutoCAD familiarity. Telework up to 50% may apply with approval.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience in construction project management/planning with coordinating activities and analyzing data.
• Experience in budgeting, policy implementation, and program administration is desired.
• Knowledge of building codes, project drawings review, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate development projects for parks, trails, and water access statewide.
• Align programs with funding sources (bonding, Legacy, LCCMR, grants) and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with divisions, agencies, and external partners to meet priorities.
• Support capital funding priorities and budget preparation and management.

Skills

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resource management or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

GIS

Job description

Working Title: Parks and Trails Development Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 96439
• 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 : 09/01/2026
• Closing Date : 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails
• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
• Days of Work : Monday - Friday
• Travel Required : Yes
• Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $60,030 - $88,030 / annually
• Classified Status : Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status : Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 one (1) Parks and Trails Development Specialist position in St. Paul, MN. Days of work are Monday - Friday. Work hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm.

This position will assist and coordinate the Parks and Trails Division's development program on a statewide basis. The incumbent will provide leadership, continuous improvement, strong communications, and serve as a technical expert for the division in the implementation of park, trail, and water access development projects, which includes, but is not limited to trails, roads, public water access, renewable energy, campgrounds, bridges, buildings, day use areas, overnight facilities, and utility systems.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Support,coordinate, implement, and in some instances lead,newdevelopmentandrehabilitationprojects forparks,trails, andwateraccessfacilities, withfunding that may include bonding,Legacy, water recreation, LCCMR, Land and Water Conservation, and grants on a statewide basis to ensure all programs goals, policies and procedural requirements are met.
• Support and coordinate Parks and Trails division’sfacilitiesandinfrastructureprograms withDNRManagementResourcestoset standards for process, programs, designs, and initiatives related to division priorities.
• Support,coordinate,and considerthenatural and culturalresourceimpacts relatedto statewide developmentactivities by working with resource management group and MN Historical Society contractors, or other consultants. Consulting with the State Historic Preservation Office and other government agencies.
• Assistwiththedivision’scapitalfundingprioritiesandbudgetpreparation. Managebudgetaryresources tomeetprogram needs by supporting the preparation of reviewing, justifying, and evaluating budgets and statewide spending plans. The capital budget includes several funding types, such as bonding, Legacy, LCCMR, water recreation account, and federal and local grants.
• Representthe divisionin workingwith otherdepartment divisions, government organizations, parks and recreation and trail organizations, user groups, and non-profit organizations, such as the National Park Service, the Department of Administration / MMB, buildings and signs team, and the Parks and Trails Council of MN.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years of professional level experience working with construction project management / planning including facilitating meetings, coordinating and tracking activities, managing processes, and analyzing data.

While not required, a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management, natural science, public administration, public space planning and design, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Project management skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
• Knowledge of facility projects, infrastructure construction, capital asset project management, building codes, rules, and laws.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing building, or site-based construction drawings.
• Knowledge of fiscal procedures and experience in budget preparation.
• Demonstrated experience implementing policies and procedures and explaing program regulations necessary for program administration.
• Knowledge of legislative process, laws, regulations, and budgets and how they impact work at state agencies.
• Ability to communicate effectively to establish strong working relationships; work effectively as a team member, carry out work assignments, and possess the ability to identify issues, solve disputes, and recommend solutions.
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software sufficient to create / prepare reports, presentations, manage databases, and track projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, outdoor recreation management, natural science, public administration, public space planning and design, architecture, landscape architecture, civil engineering or a closely related field.
• Project management skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
• GIS skills, including ability to mark locations in the field, make maps, and manage databases associated with the Geographical Information System program.
• Demonstrated skills using AutoCAD.

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.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.