Natural Resources Technician Parks & Trails

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's Natural Resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Parks & Trails
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/19/2024
• Closing Date: 02/08/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 2 / Moose Lake Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Rotating Shift
• Days of Work: Friday - Tuesday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $23.01 - $32.28 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
• Work Area: Moose Lake State Park
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Telework Eligible: No
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged, and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This posting will be used to fill one (1) part-time (up to 80%) year-round position located in Moose Lake, MN. Days of work are Friday through Tuesday. Work hours will vary and include evenings and nights during the winter months. This position will provide direction to field staff in implementing work plans and will provide support to the Moose Lake Parks and Trails Supervisor.

This position acts as a lead worker providing technical work in implementing programs, activities, policies and rules among Minnesota's state parks and trail systems, including promoting effective land acquisition, land management and development and rehabilitation projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Assist with the creation of work plans and directs the activities of field staff, seasonal staff, volunteers and/or crews and contractors.
• Implement operations and development, maintenance, rehabilitation programs.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, and provide administrative support to the division.
• Implement visitor and public relations to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Enforce division rules and state laws, responds to emergencies, and implements resource management programs.
• Provide winter grooming; and
• Conducts other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Position requires a Class A Driver's License (CDL), passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Two years (24 months) experience as a Laborer Trades and Equipment, General Laborer, Building and Grounds Worker, Parks Worker or other classification performing similar work which will include working knowledge of construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.

OR

• An Associate’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis, Recreation Resource Management, Environmental Studies) may substitute for one year of the above experience.

AND

• Communications skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses.
• Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize memos, letters, and other correspondence without spelling errors and 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 database and spreadsheet development and usage.
• Ability to navigate natural terrain, to load/unload watercraft and vehicles, (including trucks and large equipment) and to endure physical exertion while working in extreme heat/cold requiring acute attention to safety.
• Ability to uphold DNR culture of respect.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis; Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis; Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis, Recreation Resource Management, Environmental Studies).
• Knowledge and experience of (or the ability to become proficient in) GPS and GIS in establishing locations, marking, tracking, creating databases and reporting.
• Equipment operation and routine maintenance experience (ex: changing tires; operating equipment; backing up large vehicles) on outdoor vehicles and equipment such as dozer, skid steer, tractor loader, backhoe, one ton and larger trucks, pickups, OHV’s and riding mowers.
• Experience and skills assessing Area and State Park programs and facility condition.
• Experience providing direction to field staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups for work plans.
• Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for recreation users.
• Experience establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks, etc.
• Public contact experience.

Additional Requirements

This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program.

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

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Mary Straka at mary.straka@state.mn.us or 218-460-7021.

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. 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 Jordan Krueger at jordan.krueger@state.mn.us .

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.