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Parks and Trails Principal Planner

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Parks and Trails Principal Planner
 Job Class: Planner Principal State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 90896
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 12/20/2025
  • Closing Date: 01/09/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: DNR Parks and Trails - Region 3
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,723 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit: 214 - MAPE (MN Association of Professional Employees)
  • FLSA Status: Exempt-Administrative
  • 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 Division of Parks and Trails is seeking to fill one (1) Planner Principal State position located in St. Paul, MN. The work hours will be Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.  

This position exists to provide statewide planning services for the Division of Parks and Trails, including developing and implementing strategic and system plans and planning processes, leading master and management planning efforts for units within the state parks and trails system, establishing new planning processes, and improving existing planning processes; b) provide guidance on the division’s research and survey agenda and coordinate and implement research projects, and c) manage priority projects as assigned by the Policy and Planning Supervisor and supported by the Division Leadership Team.

Responsibilities include:

  • Planning Services: Provide statewide planning services for the Division of Parks and Trails, including developing and implementing strategic and system plans and planning processes, leading master and management planning efforts for units within the state parks and trails system, establishing new planning processes, and improving existing planning processes.
  • Survey, Research Coordination and Analysis: Coordinate the division’s survey and research agenda, as established by the Division Leadership Team, the Policy and Planning Supervisor, and other planning staff as needed to inform strategic planning and decision making and ensure that work is relevant and meets stakeholder and public needs.
  • Project Management: Manage priority projects as assigned by the Policy and Planning Supervisor and supported by the Division Leadership Team. 
  • Other Planning Duties as Assigned: Perform other duties, as directed, in order to fulfill the Department’s and Division’s mission and mandates and to advance Minnesota’s outdoor recreation agenda.

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 a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on an occasional basis.

 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resources management, environmental studies, landscape architecture, public administration or policy, social or natural sciences, or a closely related degree. 

            AND

  • Three (3) years of professional level experience in planning, research, and project management, which includes coordinating large programs or research projects in outdoor recreation, natural resources/environmental management, urban/regional planning, land use or related field.

To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

  • Knowledge of planning principles and practices, project management, and public involvement strategies.
  • Ability to design and manage complex planning processes.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills and public relations skills sufficient to effectively interact with internal and external customers, facilitate and lead meetings, influence future direction, deliver challenging messages/information, resolve disagreements, and defuse potentially volatile situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to create and edit clear and professional written materials, such as letters, reports, plans, and presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and manage complex collaborative projects to ensure that deadlines and procedural requirements are met, and projects are completed successfully. 
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct research and knowledge of research and survey design, statistical analysis methods, and data process software.
  • Demonstrated ability of analytical and data analysis skills to review and track technical information, make recommendations, and clearly communicate results.
  • Computer skill sufficient in word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications, presentation software, survey software (such as Qualtrics), and document management (electronic and paper).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resources management, environmental studies, landscape architecture, public administration or policy, the social or natural sciences or closely related degree.
  • Working knowledge of state and federal recreation statutes, laws, rules, strategic plans and programs. 
  • Experience working in outdoor recreation research.
  • Experience managing public intercept surveys or research projects that included public surveys. 
  • Experience managing trail or vehicle counters. 
  • Technical skills in geographic information systems (e.g., ArcMap or ArcGIS) sufficient to create maps and in database management.
  • Experience and/or certifications in continuous improvement.
  • Certifications in project management or planning (e.g., AICP).

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

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 Andrew Korsberg at andrew,korsberg@state.mn.us or 651-259-5642.

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 Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@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.