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Forestry Strategic Planning & Outreach Office and Administrative Specialist, Senior

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Forestry Strategic Planning and Outreach Section OAS
Job Class: Office and Administrative Specialist, Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92692
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, potentially 2 days/week
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 04/01/2026
  • Closing Date: 04/10/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Forestry
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $22.23 - $30.09 / hourly; $46,416 - $62,827 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical/AFSCME
  • Work Area: Division of Forestry
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • 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 Forestry is hiring one Office and Administrative Specialist Senior in St. Paul, MN. This position exists to provide senior level administrative support to the Strategic Planning and Outreach Section which encompasses all aspects of the statewide Cooperative Forest Management, Forest Policy and Planning, State Forest Nursery, and Legislative Affairs and Outreach Units. The position will lead a range of and coordinate administrative program activities as well as provide specialized information and services to external organizations, such as counties, private contractors, private forest landowners, school districts, media outlets, Nursery customers, and various Division of Forestry stakeholders.

Responsibilities include:

  • Cooperative Forest Management: Oversee and coordinate office and administrative processes for statewide Cooperative Forestry Management programs, including the Private Forest Management, Forestry Incentives, Forest Legacy, Recreation, and Urban & Community Forestry programs.
  • Outreach Activities: Coordinate administrative projects and activities for Forestry Outreach Unit so statewide program outreach goals are met and services are delivered in an effective and efficient manner.
  • Executive Assistance: Provide executive administrative support to the to the Strategic Planning and Outreach Section Manager and Unit Supervisors.
  • Fiscal Work: Prepares and maintains budget, financial tracking, grant program paperwork, employee training and other and other record systems to ensure accuracy of data and conformance with statutes and policies.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, up to 2 days per week, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Mathematics, accounting, and data entry knowledge and ability to support program work and review, track, analyze, and prepare financial summaries or create reports. 
  • Spreadsheet and database skills sufficient to accurately enter data, retrieve information, manage data, and integrate data into meaningful responses and reports.
  • Advanced word processing skills sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and ensure documents and records are complete, accurate, current and meet electronic accessibility requirements.
  • Interpersonal skills – including customer service, communication, and human relations skills – sufficient to respond promptly, professionally, and accurately with a variety of internal and external customers on a broad range of tasks and responsibilities. 
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of office management to organize and coordinate administrative program operations.
  • Advanced software knowledge and skill in the full Microsoft suite, including Excel (create pivot tables, complex charts, graphs, and tables), Access, PowerPoint, Visio, Outlook, and Teams; and sufficient knowledge and skill to use Qualtrics, Arc GIS, and associated Private Forest Management Module.
  • Ability to establish and maintain complex records systems, such as the Private Forest Management Module. 
  • Organizational and time management skills sufficient to prioritize workload, meet deadlines, initiate activities independently, and coordinate and support statewide staff meetings and large-scale events.
  • Proofreading/editing skills sufficient to ensure accuracy of written materials.
  • Knowledge of general office equipment and software including phone system, personal computer, mobile devices, printers, digital photography and scanners, postage machine, etc. sufficient to maintain and use equipment and provide direction to other staff.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Three or more years of general office or program coordination experience.
  • Knowledge of the functions of forestry terms and DNR Forestry services.
  • Knowledge state budgeting, policies, procedures, and laws sufficient to provide program administrative support, suggest changes, and prepare and interpret fiscal reports, analyze account balances and budgets, and process invoices. 
  • Ability to locate legal descriptions, read maps and plat books and knowledge of Landview program sufficient to look up 911 addresses.

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 Doug Tilma at doug.tilma@state.mn.us  or 651-259-5278.

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 Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@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.