Working Title: Rural Fire Program Coordinator Job Class: Natural Resources Forestry Program Coordinator Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 96396
Location: Grand Rapids, Minnesota Interagency Fire Center
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 10/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / 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
Job ID: 96396
Location: Grand Rapids, Minnesota Interagency Fire Center
Telework Eligible: Yes
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Posted: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 10/07/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes, 10% or less
Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / 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.
The Division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) NR Forestry Program Coordinator located in Grand Rapids, MN at the Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MIFC). This position exists to administer the Volunteer Firefighter Assistance (VFA) grant program. In addition, this position leads the U.S.
Forest Service Federal Excess Personal
Property (FEPP) and Department of Defense, Firefighter Property (DoD-FFP) programs for the Division of Forestry statewide. The position also provides management, planning, implementation, and coordination of federal surplus property in the state that is granted or loaned to fire departments. The position will monitor and analyze Rural Fire Program’s acquisitions to ensure they meet state and federal guidelines.
Responsibilities Include
Coordinating and administering the VFA program activities utilizing both federal and state grant funds
Coordinating and leading the United State Forest Service (USFS) Federal Excess Property (FEPP) and Firefighter Property (FFP) programs
Facilitate collaboration between structural fire service agencies and the MN DNR Division of Forestry
Minimum Qualifications There are 3 minimum qualification pathways:
Three (3) years experience coordinating, training, or administering programs serving fire departments as well as managing or facilitating grants, contracts, and agreements.
OR
Two (2) years advanced level professional experience leading a complex program including planning, leading staff, assigning work, monitoring accomplishments, administering a budget, administering and implementing programs.
OR
Three (3)
years intermediate professional experience administering sub-programs or single programs.
In Addition
Knowledge and experience with structure fire department equipment and apparatus
Knowledge of wildland fire management principles sufficient to guide training and assistance to structure fire departments in wildland fire techniques.
Ability to plan, lead staff, administer budgets, implement programs, and consult.
Knowledge of the requirements and regulations for creating and administering state grants.
Ability to use financial data reporting tools and inventory tracking methods.
Ability and skill to utilize spreadsheets to collate and analyze data.
Ability and skill to formulate and communicate narratives, presentations, reports, complex concepts and principles in both verbal and written format to a variety of stakeholders.
A related master’s degree may substitute for eighteen (18) months of experience; a related bachelor’s degree may substitute for (12) months experience; and a related associate’s degree may substitute for six (6) months experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Five (5) or more years experience serving on a paid or volunteer fire department and qualified as NFPA Firefighter I and II
Two (2) or more years experience serving as chief or assistant chief on a fire department
Two (2) years experience cooperating and coordinating with wildland fire agencies (state, federal, tribal, local fire departments)Current National Wildland Coordinator Group (NWCG) “red card” qualification as a Unit Leader and above OR Single Resource Boss and above.
Knowledge of the technical aspects of wildland fire management such as the Incident Command System, wildland fire equipment, and wildland fire behavior
Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures, MN statute, and operating guidelines pertaining to fire management
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
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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 career 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.
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[email protected] and let us know the support you need.
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