Working Title: Regional Acquisition and Development Specialist

Job Class: NR Specialist Senior Parks & Trails

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job ID: 95795

Location: Grand Rapids

Telework Eligible: Yes, Up to 40%

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted: 8/5/2026

Closing Date: 8/25/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

Division/Unit: Parks and Trails

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift

Days of Work: Monday - Friday

Travel Required: Yes, up to 15%

Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,139 - $91,225 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit: 214- Minnesota Associate 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.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Natural Resources Specialist Senior located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Days and hours of work are 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

- Oversee and coordinate the northeast region division real estate responsibilities and land acquisition and development to maintain regional databases, inform land transactions processes and prioritization needs, manage real estate transactions, and help fulfill acquisition and development work plans, goals, policies, and procedures.
- Provide staff support to land management activities in the region and areas to take advantage of acquisition opportunities through tax forfeit and road vacations, and to avoid and resolve trespass, encroachments and illegal use of division administered lands.
- Assist the Assistant Regional Manager and Supervisors with work plans and budget management for operation and maintenance, in collaboration with other programs and disciplines, so work plans, and program goals are fulfilled.
- Perform other duties, as assigned by the PAT Regional Manager, so that DNR and PAT program goals and objectives are advanced.

Minimum Qualifications

Associates degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or closely related field, and TWO YEARS of para‑professional or professional experience which includes: creating work plans and/or preparing reports; providing lead work direction to staff; administering and/or supporting work that includes outdoor recreation and/or natural resources management programs, facilities or projects; administrative experience with budget and process management.

A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, education, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field may substitute for one year of the experience listed above.

AND

Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.

Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.





Communications skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses to individuals and groups.

Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize work plans, reports, presentations and/or proposals using appropriate business language.

Ability to use and understand computer and communication equipment sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and complete work effectively. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Ability to navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment), and endure physical exertion.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's or Bachelor degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related degree.

Experience and skill managing natural areas such as exotic species control, prescribed burning, conducting resource inventories and preparing environmental impact assessments.

Experience prioritizing work and managing projects with multiple teams.

Experience in preparing natural resource management plans, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing data.

Experience coordinating resource projects.

Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other agencies.

Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, writing articles and publications.

Experience serving the public, negotiating, resolving conflict and facilitating small and large groups.

Expert knowledge of Natural Resources outdoor recreation facilities, programs and policies.

Human relations skills sufficient to establish rapport, motivate, secure commitment and coordinate consensus among staff and non‑staff.

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.

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

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

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 diverse 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 or email and let us know the support you need.

Contact

Jordan Schaefer at or .

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 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 Sarah Neisen at

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📌 Acquisition and Development Specialist - NR Specialist Senior Parks & Trails (Grand Rapids)
🏢 State of Minnesota
📍 Grand Rapids