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Grants Specialist Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Grants Specialist Coord
Job Class: Grants Specialist Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 76743
  • Location: St. Paul
  • Telework Eligible: Yes; site visits and meetings typically spring thru fall
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 11/14/2024
  • Closing Date: 11/21/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: No
  • Salary Range: $31.57 - $46.82 / hourly; $65,918 - $97,760 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
  • Re-Posting: Yes
  • 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

 

ATTENTION APPLICANTS: This vacancy was previously announced on 06/06/2024 through 06/27/2024.  If you have already applied for this position, you do not need to reapply. 

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill a Grants Specialist Coordinator position to work in the division of Parks and Trails.  This position exists to manage programs, activities, and financial oversight of the Parks and Trails Division’s Federal Recreational Trail, Local Trail Connections and Regional Trail Grant programs.  This position provides leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of several financial assistance programs and policies aimed at trail projects for long-term benefits to the people of Minnesota.  The position also plans and coordinates a grant delivery system and implements the system in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal laws and requirements from the Department of Administration’s Office of Grants Management.  Primary responsibilities include financial management and administration, implementing program policies and procedures, and providing high levels of customer service and technical assistance for internal and external customers.

Responsibilities include:

  • Establish, implement, carry out, and manage the Federal Recreational Trail Program and to coordinate, apply and manage the coordination with the Federal Highway Administration Program.  
  • Administer state grants associated with local trail connections and regional trail grant programs to ensure grantees are in compliance with program requirements and are reimbursed properly for project costs. 
  • Review and approve reimbursement requests using financial software to track contracts and payments.
  • Respond, provided information and reports, and participate in special projects as assigned.
  • Conduct compliance visits with grantees and view the site.
  • Prepare grant agreements and amendments.
  • Support organizational financial and programmatic reporting.
  • Provided information and documentation for state and federal audits, as required.
  • Interact daily with local units of government, federal and state partners, external partners, and other divisions within DNR.
  • Respond to project-related inquiries from the public.
  • Respond, provided information and reports, and participate in special projects as assigned.
  • Commit to DNR’s cultures of Safety and Respect.

This position currently has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change.  This position is required to report to the primary work location in St. Paul once per week for meetings.  Currently scheduled on Monday. Scheduled telework to be finalized after the probation period, if approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Three years of professional experience administering grant programs.  A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or related field may substitute for one year of experience. 
  • Demonstrated experience in project management.
  • Knowledge in grants and financial management, procedures and techniques and the applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations sufficient to administer statewide grants. 
  • Ability to evaluate information and data sufficient to develop policy and program administration recommendations, identify alternative solutions to complex issues and convey to a diverse audience. 
  • Ability to analyze fiscal reports for adherence and conformance to federal laws, state statues and departmental policies.  
  • Ability to read, comprehend, and analyze guidelines, statutes, contract agreements, amendments, and work programs in order to interpret and apply these to individual circumstance or situations.
  • Demonstrated communication skills (written and oral) sufficient to establish strong working relationships with Agency leadership, as well as Agency staff, other state agencies, grantees, and contractors; work effectively as a team member, and carry out work assignments; delivering information to ensure program compliance with policies and regulations, and possess the ability to identify issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions.
  • Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple projects, and work within tight deadlines and adapt to changes that arise.
  • Knowledge and experience in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment.
  • Knowledge and experience reviewing, approving, and managing grant budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of state and federal policies and procedures for the administration of grants.
  • Master's degree in public policy, non-profit administration, natural resources, or a related field.
  • Proficiency with financial, accounting, and grant software.
  • Knowledge of departmental structure, policies, and procedures.
  • Experience with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and internal control principles such as monitoring, training, and separation of duties.
  • Knowledge and use of various software for tracking, monitoring, and storing information, maps and land restrictions.

Additional Requirements

  • This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record*

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. 

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 Ashley Luecken at ashley.luecken@state.mn.us or 651-259-5330.

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.

About MN Department of Natural Resources 

(Include brief description of agency -- limit to two sentences)

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
  • Tuition reimbursement <Remove this bullet if this position is not eligible for tuition reimbursement>
  • 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.