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Regional Manager Lands and Minerals

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Regional Manager Lands and Minerals
 Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92009
  • Location: Bemidji
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 02/10/2026
  • Closing Date: 03/02/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: DNR Lands and Minerals 
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, 10%
  • Salary Range: $43.38 - $62.41 / hourly; $90,577 - $130,312 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
  • 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, Lands and Minerals Division is seeking to fill one (1) full-time State Program Admin Manager, Senior position. This position exists to direct and manage the Northwest and South Regional Operations of the Division of Lands and Minerals and implements all Divisional programs, policies, budgets and operations for the Regions. This position participates in the Region's and Division's short- and long-range management plans to determine objectives and priorities; and to direct and manage regional activities in the development of utility licenses, easements, surface and mineral leases, miscellaneous leases, acquisitions, land exchanges, land sales and county tax forfeit sale packets. This position provides leadership for the Department as a member of the Division and Regional Management Teams to develop and implement their mission and vision. It will also manage the Northwest and South Region's portfolio of land asset management projects for the Strategic Land Asset Management (SLAM) Program. 

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

  • Four (4) years of directly related managerial, advanced supervisory, or program management experience, including leadership of large, complex real estate transactions and oversight of staff or programs. Experience must include stakeholder and partnership engagement, budget and financial management, human resources, safety, and related activities. 
    • While not required, a bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Real Estate, Natural Resources Management, Business Administration, Public Administration or a closely related field, may substitute for one (1) year of the above experience for a bachelor's, 18 months for a Masters, and two (2) years for a Doctorate.  

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

  • Knowledge and management of real estate transactions sufficient to evaluate unit/program needs and performance; to evaluate/improve operational activities, propose budget levels and comply with policies. 
  • Knowledge and experience of drafting and writing complex legal descriptions. 
  • Knowledge of governmental programs and regulatory requirements, including SHPO, Federal AID, and Threatened and Endangered Species compliance. 
  • Knowledge and experience with environmental review and permits for real estate transactions. 
  • Knowledge and experience with natural heritage features and state historic preservation resources for real estate transactions. 
  • Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes sufficient to ensure funds are properly administered, needs are accurately assessed and represented in the appropriate processes, expenditures of funds are appropriate and tracked, interpret budget reports, and articulate budget proposals. 
  • Knowledge of strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to participate in generation of unit plans, evaluate recommendations and explain proposals and reports to staff, peers and superiors. 
  • Communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public; make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response; prepare and edit reports and management plans; research topics to solve problems; and educate others. 
  • Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff, including remotely, address complex and confidential human resources issues, manage performance, motivate people and obtain program commitment from division personnel, and work as both a leader and a productive member of both Regional and Statewide teams. 
  • Skills in negotiation, conflict management and consensus building with diverse groups internally and externally. Includes critical thinking skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous and/or controversial situations, make difficult decisions, and persuade others of the merits of a position or proposal that supports/advocates for the mission of the division/department and build consensus among varied and sometimes conflicting opinions. 
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders; experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external partners within space of equity and inclusion. 
  • Demonstrated experience in working with various levels of government agencies, including Townships, Counties, State and Federal Agencies and Tribal governments. 
  • Cultural competency skills sufficient to work with diverse public, community and employee perspectives, as well as the ability to treat all employees and public in such a way to ensure that long-term and short-term goals and objectives equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public. 
  • Experience leading organizational change. 
  • Considerable knowledge around workplace safety sufficient to recognize unsafe practices, coach for improved safety performance, and develop workplace policies and procedures that lead to safer working conditions and enhance the culture of safety. 
  • Understanding of diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion (DEAI) principles, and experience in addressing the needs of diverse visitors and staff. 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Five (5) years of directly related managerial or advanced supervisory experience that includes leading and managing large, complex, and different types of real estate transactions with responsibility for directing staff in the drafting of easements, leases, utility licenses, sales, and tax forfeit review responses to counties and thorough knowledge of background research and preparation for sales, exchanges and acquisitions for outdoor recreation or natural resources management programs. Experience must include developing stakeholder and partnership engagement strategies, budget and finance, human resources, safety, and other related activities. 
  • Ability to skillfully perform in situations with a political backdrop sufficient to advance department/division proposals. 
  • A bachelor's or advanced degree in real estate or closely related field. 
  • Experience applying continuous improvement principles or green belt CI certification. 
  • Experience working in organization guided by complex policies and procedures. 
  • Experience developing policies and directing and evaluating multiple program activities. 
  • Emergency management training and/or recipient of a safety leadership recognition award. 
  • Knowledge of legislative process and functions. 
  • Successful completion of leadership and/or supervisory training offered by the DNR or comparable programs. 

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 Cheryl Kelley-Dobie at cheryl.kelley-dobie@state.mn.us or 218-308-2627.

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 Rebecca McMillen at rebecca.mcmillen@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.