Natural Resources Assistant Division Director

Natural Resources Assistant Division Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 89933
• Location: St. Paul
• 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: 11/01/2025
• Closing Date:11/21/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services Division
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $50.25 - $71.95 / hourly; $104,922 - $150,231 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking a Deputy Director to join our Operations Services Division (OSD) in St. Paul. This leadership position plays a vital role in aligning division and regional objectives with the department’s overall mission and vision.

The Deputy Director provides strategic direction and oversight for OSD’s business and administrative operations, agency policy and planning efforts, and regional operations functions. This role also represents the division and acts on behalf of the Director in their absence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Provide leadership and direction for division policies, programs, and priorities as part of the OSD Executive Team and other statewide committees.
2. Integrate regional and field operations with central office functions to ensure alignment and consistency.
3. Foster effective communication and collaboration among regional and central office staff and across DNR disciplines.
4. Represent the division or agency on complex, high-priority, and high-profile projects and initiatives.
5. Serve as a central point for managing conflict, resolving disputes, and coordinating interdisciplinary efforts across the agency.
6. Lead strategic and operational planning to ensure alignment with department goals.
7. Strengthen linkages between regional planning, program development, and budgeting processes.
8. Support legislative processes related to policy initiatives and operational budgets.
9. Promote a healthy, safe, productive, and inclusive work environment for all employees.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience managing or supervising staff in natural resource management or other mission-driven programs.
• Proven leadership and organizational skills with the ability to engage, develop, and direct staff effectively.
• Knowledge of diverse cultural and community groups and the ability to ensure that stakeholders and partners understand program requirements and expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment, incorporating a variety of perspectives into decisions and actions.
• Experience building relationships and managing high-profile, complex, or controversial issues with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal, administrative, and human relations skills.
• Excellent communication skills to convey complex information clearly to varied audiences.
• Working knowledge of legislative processes, including experience developing or supporting policy and fiscal legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to create, manage, and oversee complex budgets with multiple funding sources.
• Ability to lead and maintain effective workplace safety and emergency management programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in business administration, public administration, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience overseeing natural resource management programs and staff.
• Incident Command System (ICS) training and experience.
• In-depth knowledge of workplace safety and emergency management principles sufficient to lead and oversee agency-wide programs.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement tools and methodologies to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Expertise in developing and implementing communication strategies for high-profile programs and policies.
• Proven ability to foster collaboration and coordination among a geographically dispersed, multidisciplinary workforce.

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are required. 

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 

Application Details

How to Apply 

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Judith Schmidt at judy.schmidt@state.mn.us or 651-259-5718.

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 Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@state.mn.us.

Working together to improve the state we love. 

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 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 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.

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.