Job ID: 77972
Location: St. Paul; Lake City
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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.
Job Details
Working Title: Mississippi River Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 77972
- Location: Lake City; St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 06/28/2024
- Closing Date: 07/11/2024
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Regional Operations / Region 3 Staff
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes
- Salary Range: $33.90 – $50.27 / hourly; $70,783 – $104,963 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
- 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.
Job Summary
The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Mississippi River Coordinator to work in Lake City MN, or Saint Paul, MN. Specific location will be determined at the time of hire.
This position exists to coordinate and administer DNR interdisciplinary activities in the Mississippi River basin from Upper St. Anthony Falls south to the Iowa boarder, including coordinating the multi-division Mississippi River Team and Mississippi River Steering Team. This position is the representative for the state of Minnesota and/or the Department of Natural Resources on multi-agency working groups and partnership teams included within the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) basin states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. The incumbent represents the DNR on various basin-wide, regional, and national organizations involved in UMR management, and ensures early coordination and communication with inter-agency partners.
This position is responsible for coordinating activities of UMR programs, policies, and guidelines. The position is both comprehensive and technical in nature and serves as a technical expert before legislative committees and at other public forums. The position is responsible for evaluating multi-agency UMR programs, policies and developing integrated cross-program strategies and guidance on multi-agency UMR programs. This position directs the activities of other staff at all levels as they relate to UMR research and management activities.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Lead and coordinate DNR’s Mississippi River Team (MRT) and support DNR’s Mississippi River Steering Team (MRST).
- Represent the State and DNR on a variety of Mississippi River related interagency partnership committees, teams, and special projects.
- Coordinate internal communication, decision-making, and river resource planning processes with the Mississippi River Team (MRT), Mississippi River Steering Team (MRST), Division and Regional Leadership, and Commissioner’s Office.
- Review and influence Federal legislative policy related to Mississippi River ecosystem restoration and management.
- Public integration and cooperation related to Mississippi River ecosystem restoration and management.
Geographic Scope and Travel Requirements: This position works on issues that are within the Upper Mississippi Region and are system-wide in geographic scope. Minnesota’s participation in UMR partnerships and river issues typically extend beyond the Minnesota border; travel is required with overnight and out-of-state travel between 1-2 times per month.
This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Four (4) years of project management, planner, program administration, operations management, or closely related experience including managing complex projects and coordinating with multiple parties and a bachelors degree in business management, planning, natural resources, or a closely related field.
- Experience in leadwork sufficient to motivate, collaborate, and develop others, and achieve organizational goals or objectives.
- Knowledge of river and wetland related habitat, recreation, land use, policy, and economic issues affecting the Mississippi River.
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis skills sufficient to evaluate program results and critique the analytical methods of other public program professionals.
- Organization skills sufficient to manage projects, coordinate complicated program initiatives, plan for contingencies, establish work agreements and priorities, and meet established timetables, quality standards and complete established objectives.
- Human relations skills sufficient to understand, develop, persuade, motivate, collaborate with and lead others; demonstrate political astuteness to support Mississippi River activities; and build relationships with stakeholders and networks with colleagues.
- Conflict resolution skills sufficient to manage conflicts and partnerships to achieve goals and work collaboratively with inter-agency partners to find solutions that benefit all members.
- Knowledge of policy and planning strategies in order to design and develop policy guidelines and standards.
- Communication skills sufficient to accurately and effectively transmit information through verbal and written formats, perform public speaking engagements, and communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse customers and partners.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of budget and funding processes and how to optimize resource allocation within constraints.
- Negotiation skills sufficient to negotiate issue outcomes with diplomacy and negotiate for human and financial resources.
- Social science knowledge of relationships between social and economic activities and natural resource management; Federal, Tribal, and State laws, politics, and organizational structures; and non-government partners and stakeholders.
- Skills with office technology systems, such as MS Office, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.
- Knowledge of DNR goals, policies, and guidelines.
- Knowledge of State and Federal programs and plans specifically related to the Upper Mississippi River.
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.
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
Application Details
How to Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Grant Wilson at grant.wilson@state.mn.us or 651-259-5635.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Tava Cayo at tava.cayo@state.mn.us.
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
- Tuition reimbursement
- 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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.