Natural Resources Program Coordinator

Job Details

Working Title: Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Peatland Restoration Project Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 84691
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 3/7/2025
• Closing Date: 3/27/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $31.92 - $47.05 / hourly; $66,648 - $98,240 / annually
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• End Date: 3/1/2028 or three years from start date
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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 purpose of this position is to coordinate and manage peatland restoration projects under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, which involves two major elements:

• Restoration projects on Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) managed lands: Completing peatland restoration project(s) and designing monitoring protocol(s) to determine the net effect on carbon storage (including greenhouse gas fluxes) and mercury export in peatlands to quantify climate change mitigation and ecosystem benefits.
• Administering a program for peatland related initiatives Tribal nation lands: Working with interested Tribal nations to distribute funds for peatland restoration and related initiatives based on Tribal nation priorities.

This position will involve several responsibilities, including:

• Convening a team of DNR staff and leaders who will contribute to the project’s success. This will include representative land administrators, fiscal support staff, communications support staff, GIS support staff, and decision makers.
• Overseeing fiscal tasks including grant budget oversight, contract development with external partners/organizations, purchasing of equipment and services, etc. These tasks will be supported in part by fiscal support staff at the DNR. All contracting and purchasing will be in alignment with goals and requirements of the CPRG grant.
• Project managing and coordinating all aspects of implementing this CPRG project.
• Project managing restoration project(s) on DNR lands, including coordinating a project team, contributing towards data collection/inventory/analysis, coordinating restoration design(s), implementing a contract(s) to complete the restoration work, developing monitoring protocol(s), and providing decision-making support to DNR leadership.
• Distributing CPRG funds to Tribal Nations interested in peatland restoration and related work. This includes developing appropriate fund distribution programming, ensuring grant requirements are met, and providing technical expertise to interested Tribal Nations to aide in developing project scopes.

This position may be eligible to telework on a full or 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 ecology, botany, natural resources management, hydrology, soil science, or closely related field.
• Three years of professional experience in wetland/peatland ecology, wetland/peatland restoration, wetland/peatland hydrology, or similar field.
• Experience implementing facilitation, conflict resolution, and collaborative decision-making strategies.
• Knowledge of peatland restoration techniques and methods.
• Knowledge of peatland hydrology, peatland geology, wetland hydrology, peatland ecology, soil science, peatland plant and animal taxonomy, or similar fields of study.
• Excellent writing and communication skills sufficient to translate scientific findings and technical information for a variety of audiences.
• Well-developed human relations skills, including listening, facilitation, and conflict resolution/negotiation skills.
• Budgeting, purchasing, and financial oversight skills.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent project management and team coordination skills.
• Proficiency in personal computers, particularly in using word processing, spreadsheets, database, and mapping software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five years of professional experience in wetland ecology, habitat wetland/peatland restoration, ecological monitoring, or wetland regulations wetland/peatland hydrology, or similar field.
• An advanced degree in ecology, botany, natural resources management, hydrology, soil science, or closely related field.
• Experience leading a wetland, prairie, or peatland restoration or research project.
• Experience working with various types of landowners, administrators, and stakeholders (such as private, non-governmental organizations, tribal governments, local governments, etc.).
• Experience with partnering and/or coordinating with Tribal Nations.
• Experience in fiscal oversight, contract development, and reporting.
• Certification or training in project management.
• A working knowledge of statistical analysis.

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 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 Lacy Levine at lacy.levine@state.mn.us or 651-259-5106.

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.

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.