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Wild Rice Project Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Wild Rice Project Coordinator
Job Class: Planner Senior State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92761
  • Location: Grand Rapids
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid up to 50%
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Limited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 03/18/2026
  • Closing Date: 04/07/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, occasional travel as needed
  • Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • End Date: 06/30/2028
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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 Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) Full-time Temporary Unclassified Wild Rice Project Coordinator - Planner Senior State located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Anticipated working dates are now through 06/30/2028. The Wild Rice Project Coordinator would work to implement phase two of a collaborative wild rice monitoring project funded by the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF). This position serves as a liaison among Tribal Nations, state and federal agencies, universities, and other partners to advance wild rice conservation in Minnesota. This role provides project management, partnership coordination, communication and outreach, and fieldwork support. The position would focus on project delivery and coordination, expanding the collaborative network, and strengthening long-term sustainability strategies for wild rice monitoring.

Responsibilities include:

  • Coordinate implementation of an ENRTF funded wild rice monitoring project
  • Facilitate collaboration among Tribal Nations, government agencies, academic institutions, and other partners including planning an annual workshop
  • Develop communication strategies and materials in coordination with DNR communications staff and support outreach and information sharing among partners
  • Prepare reports and updates for DNR leadership and the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
  • Explore and identify long-term funding strategies to support continuation of the collaborative effort
  • Coordinate wild rice survey priorities, methods, and scheduling with partners
  • Assist with collect, manage, analyze, and report ecological data
  • Maintain and operate field equipment, including watercraft

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. 

This position will require occasional travel in state to field sites and meetings including some overnight stays. 

 

 

 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.
  • Two (2) years demonstrated project management experience, including planning, coordination, and tracking of timelines.
  • Written and verbal communications skills sufficient to translate highly technical information into public-facing documents and presentations that are understandable, accessible, and audience-specific.
  • Interpersonal skills sufficient to cultivate professional networks, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite sufficient to produce and maintain word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three (3) years demonstrated project management experience in an ecological field, including planning, coordination, and tracking of timelines
  • An advanced degree in biology, botany, conservation, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, or related field.
  • Experience working with Tribal Nations or cross-cultural partnerships
  • Planning and facilitation skills sufficient to coordinate and facilitate project team meetings and/or workshops.
  • Experience developing long-term strategies to promote the continuation of a program through various avenues
  • Experience working with spatial data within Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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 Jon Hansen at jon.hansen@state.mn.us or 651-259-5155.

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.

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.