Local recruitment: Red River Coordinator - Planner Principal State

Job ID: 83196

Location: Detroit Lakes

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: Red River Coordinator
Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 83196
• Location: Detroit Lakes or a negotiated different location within Red River Valley
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/14/2025
• Closing Date: 02/03/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
• Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes – Up to 10% of work time. 
• Salary Range: $31.92 – $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 – $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – 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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire a full-time permanent, Red River Coordinator. This position will be located in Detroit Lakes, but a different location within Red River Valley is negotiable. This position exists to coordinate DNR interdisciplinary activities in the Red River Basin (RRB) including the implementation of the 1998 Mediation Agreement for Flood Damage Reduction and Natural Resource Enhancement.  This position supplies the coordination for all DNR involvement in watershed-based project teams, facilitates the multi-agency Flood Damage Reduction Working Group, represents the department on various basin-wide and international organizations involved in water management and flood damage reduction, and ensures early coordination and communication with stakeholders in the basin.

Responsibilities include: 

• Coordinate implementation of the Red River Flood Damage Reduction Mediation Agreement on behalf of the DNR, including ensuring that DNR’s interests are represented on FDR project teams.
• Fulfill and be the lead personnel for the Red River Watershed Coordinator Income Contract assisting in Red River Watershed Management Board and Flood Damage Reduction coordination.
• Facilitate state, local, and federal agency coordination by representing the DNR on various Red River-related committees and special projects.
• Serve as consultant to the NW Region RMT and Environmental Assessment Team (in coordination with REAE) on Red River projects and related items, ensuring that DNR staff, stakeholders, and policy/decision makers have FDR and NRE information.

This position has a flexible work agreement 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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, natural resources management, political science, or related field.
• 3 years of advanced professional planning experience and working knowledge of natural resources management in ecology, hydrology, resources management planning, watershed planning, land use planning, or environmental regulation. 
• Ability to motivate and organize sufficient to direct and manage planning projects. 
• Ability to edit and review diverse technical information into final planning and/or administrative reports. 
• Writing skills sufficient to compose narrative summaries and develop questionnaires and surveys to collect and compile data. 
• Communication skills sufficient to present plans and data and/or to lead discussions about specific aspects of agency and public planning processes. 
• Experience developing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse clientele, governmental and private sector colleagues, and other planning organizations. 
• Experience in team building and group process facilitation techniques. 
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to motivate teams or individuals, manage conflict and resolve conflict. 
• Public relations skills are sufficient to interact with internal and external customers, often in diverse groups. 
• Experience working with federal and state legislative processes and understanding policies, programs, and inter-relationships of other federal, state, and local organizations involved in water management and flood damage reduction. 
• Ability to plan all aspects of complex projects, such as rulemaking, to ensure process deadlines and procedural requirements are met. 
• Ability to develop, select, and use procedures sufficient to solve problems and interpret results. 
• Experience organizing and leading diverse internal/external stakeholder teams. 
• Technical skills in geographic information systems (Arc View, ArcGIS) and database management. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with federal, state and local organizations involved in water management and flood damage reduction in the Red River Valley or other large, multi-jurisdictional basins. 
• Advanced knowledge and technical experience in hydrology and hydraulics
• Understanding of statistical methodology sufficient to apply to the planning process. 
• Lead work stills.
• Ability to convey and interpret information. 
• Ability to perform research using statistics. 

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:

• 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 Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about this position, contact Nathan Kestner at nathan.kestner@state.mn.us or 218-368-8747.

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 Victoria Hansen at tori.hansen@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
• 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.