Acquisition and Development Specialist - NR Specialist Senior Parks & Trails

Location: Grand Rapids, MN
Telework eligible: Yes, up to 40%
Full-time, unlimited (permanent) position
Salary range: $29.76 - $43.69/hourly; $62,139 - $91,225/annually
Days and hours of work: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday
Travel required: Yes, up to 15%

About the role

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Regional Acquisition and Development Specialist to provide lead professional assistance and expertise supporting the Parks and Trails Northeast Assistant Region Manager and division staff in coordinating acquisition and development activities. This position also supports the northeast region OHV Specialist in managing off-highway vehicle recreation efforts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and coordinate the northeast region division real estate responsibilities, land acquisition, and development to maintain regional databases, inform land transaction processes, prioritize needs, manage real estate transactions, and fulfill acquisition and development work plans, goals, policies, and procedures.
• Provide staff support for land management activities in the region, including taking advantage of acquisition opportunities through tax forfeit and road vacations, and resolving 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, collaborating with other programs and disciplines to fulfill work plans and program goals.
• Manage and strategically coordinate acquisition and development activities, including monitoring conservation easements, processing Land Records System transactions, reviewing division and Lands and Minerals acquisition, divestiture, tax forfeit requests, road vacations, easements, license reviews, trespass cases, legislative boundary bill requests, and other divisional activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the PAT Regional Manager to advance DNR and PAT program goals and objectives.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or a closely related field, and two years of para-professional or professional experience, including:
  • Creating work plans and/or preparing reports;
  • Providing lead work direction to staff;
  • Administering and/or supporting work involving outdoor recreation and/or natural resources management programs, facilities, or projects;
  • Administrative experience with budget and process management.
• A Bachelor’s 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 a closely related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, including navigating natural terrain, boarding vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment), and enduring physical exertion.
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.
• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.
• Communication 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, including word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, or a closely related field.
• 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 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.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• 12 paid holidays each year.
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans.
• Fertility care, including IVF, and diabetes care.
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children.
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children.
• Pension plan providing income after at least three years of service.
• Employer-paid life insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care.
• Resources supporting physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being.
• Training, classes, and professional development opportunities.
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility (for qualifying positions).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support, including mental health, relationship challenges, grief and loss, finances, and legal issues.
• Daily living/convenience services, such as chore services, home repair, trip planning, and child/elder care.

Benefits eligibility varies based on employment type, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service.