Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grants Specialist

Job Details

Working Title: Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grants Specialist
Job Class: Grants Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 85403
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/08/2025
• Closing Date: 04/28/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife Central Office / F&W Administrative Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly; $52,805 - $76,650 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• 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 DNR is seeking to hire one (1) full-time Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) Grants Specialist position at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.

This position assists in the administration of the Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grant program funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The CPL grant program is a financial assistance program aimed at fish and wildlife habitat improvement projects for long-term benefits to the people of Minnesota. This position helps to support and coordinate a grant delivery system and implements the system in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal laws and recommends program improvements and changes to the Conservation grant program coordinator. Work on this program includes administrative activities and day-to-day engagement with grant program applicants and team members.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist in the day-to-day administration of the program in alignment with the program's objectives.
• Assist the CPL grants team with compilation, summarization, review, and approval of grant proposals for the CPL grants program.
• Assist with the logistics involved in managing Technical Review Committees (TRC), Division Director and Commissioner Office meetings, as well as the Habitat Team Expedited Conservation Project (ECP) reviews, throughout the year.
• To administer and track grant agreements, review, and approve payments, and close out grants with local outdoor groups. Assist with grantee tracking and data management.
• Assist CPL grant team members in monitoring grant projects, including progress and agreement requirements, as well as monitoring grantee performance and use of funds by grantees.

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. This position will require you to report to the central office location for work 50% of the time.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience administering or coordinating a publicly funded grant program. Prior experience must demonstrate the ability to analyze financial data for adherence and conformance to federal laws, state statutes and departmental policies.
• A bachelors degree in grant administration, business administration, public policy administration, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Knowledge of grants procedures and techniques and the applicable state laws, rules, and regulations sufficient to administer daily tasks of a grants program.
• Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office or similar programs sufficient to create and interpret work products of advanced professional staff, reports, spreadsheets, financial analyses, databases, and correspondence.
• Communication and human relations skills sufficient to establish strong working relationships with agency leadership, as well as agency staff, other state agencies, grantees, and contractors; work effectively as a team member, and carry out work assignments; delivering information to ensure program compliance with policies and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate information and data sufficient to develop policy and program administration recommendations, identify alternative solutions to complex issues and convey to a diverse audience.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and analyze guidelines, statutes, contract agreements, amendments, and work plans in order to interpret and apply these to individual circumstance or situations.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and adapt to changes that arise.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in grant administration, business administration, public policy administration, or a related field.
• Experience with community-based organizations and equity in grantmaking within the environmental and natural resources fields.
• Experience in project management.
• Knowledge of wildlife management and habitat including vegetation ecology, and the biology of exotic invasive species.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal land development regulations and policies such as, National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, National Environmental Act of 1991, Flood Plain Management Executive Order 11988, Minnesota Protected Waters regulations, Forestry-Wildlife Coordination Policy, and other federal, state, and local regulations that apply.

Additional Requirements

There are no driving duties required.

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:

1. Conflict of Interest Review

2. Criminal History Check

3. Education Verification

4. Employment Reference / Records Check

5. 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.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Linda Kelly at linda.kelly@state.mn.us or 651-259-5238.

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
• 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.