Working Title: Special Programs Supervisor

Job Class: Natural Resources Program Supervisor

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 78519

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 09/26/2024

• Closing Date : 10/16/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Parks & Trails Central Office

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes

• Salary Range: $33.61 - $48.66 / hourly; $70,177 - $101,602 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 216 - Middle Management Association / MMA

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

This position exists to oversee DNR Parks and Trails Division (PAT) special programs. Special Programs include outdoor skill building, recreation, outreach, interpretation and information services, and educational transportation grants. This position:

• Supervises Parks and Trails special programs staff.

• Plans, develops, implements, publicizes, and manages several statewide Parks and Trails special programs including the I Can! (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ican/index.html) Series

• Develops short-term and long-term plans to meet division and department goals.

• Provides program leadership to contractors, partners, and volunteers.

• Establishes and implements a comprehensive safety program for staff-led recreation programs.

• Collaborates statewide with Parks and Trails Central Office staff, regional managers, assistant regional managers, district supervisors, area supervisors, park managers, naturalists, and staff statewide.

• Partners with staff from other DNR divisions and a variety of external stakeholders.

• Serves as the statewide technical expert on outdoor recreation instruction and outdoor adventure sports. Regularly consults with a variety of Parks and Trails / DNR staff to advise on various projects related to outdoor recreation, outdoor skill building, and/or adventure sports.

The purpose of the statewide Special Programs program is to:

• Enhance the public's awareness, appreciation and understanding of the natural, cultural, and recreational resources and their management at Minnesota state parks and trails.

• Influence visitor attitudes and behaviors to foster resource stewardship.

• Inform the public about the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) programs and current environmental issues.

• Engage new audiences that are currently not involved in various forms of outdoor recreation.

This position primarily works weekdays, but frequent weekend and evening work are required during the summer and occasionally during other seasons. Frequent day trips and occasional overnight travel are required. Must be available in May and June for staff onboarding and training.

This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis during non-peak seasons. This is subject to change. If approved, the employee will be required to complete a telework agreement.

This position includes physically demanding tasks in a variety of environmental conditions (for example: lifting and moving canoes, hiking trails in heat and buggy conditions, moving camping equipment, paddling kayaks, demonstrating rescue procedures in cold water).

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) years professional experience leading outdoor skill-building programs, writing program curriculum; leading and evaluating program staff, interns, volunteers and/or contractors. A Bachelor's or advanced degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks and Recreation, Natural Sciences, Interpretation, Education, Communications, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience listed above.

• Two years of supervisory or professional lead work experience that includes prioritizing and assigning workload, scheduling, training employees, evaluating programs, and reporting on the work activities of others.

• Advanced human relations skills to communicate, negotiate, collaborate, and resolve conflict with staff, contractors, and park visitors.

• Communication skills sufficient to communicate work requirements to individuals and groups, present programs to public audiences, provide media interviews, respond to public inquiries, and to write reports, emails, work plans, project proposals, press releases, employee manuals, and webpages.

• Organizational and administrative skills sufficient to organize diverse elements or work, manage competing priorities, and perform tasks within administrative requirements.

• Project management skills sufficient to ensure projects are organized, tracked and completed on a timely basis.

• Experience developing and/or implementing staff training on outdoor recreation skills, outdoor education methods, group management, and safety procedures.

• Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to develop relationships with and provide outreach programming opportunities to diverse schools, organizations, and communities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading camping, canoeing, kayaking, and/or backpacking programs.

• Outdoor program risk management experience.

• Professional level training or certification in outdoor recreation skills, such as American Canoe Association (ACA) Instructor training.

• Professional level training in outdoor program management.

• Professional level training in outdoor program risk management or safety administration.

• Experience writing requests for proposals (RFPs), managing contracts, and coordinating grants.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.