Assistant Division Director – Lands – NR Program Manager

Job Description

**Job Details**
—————

**Working Title: Assistant Division Director – Lands**

**Job Class: Natural Resources Program Manager**

**Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources**

* **Job ID**: 79800
* **Location**: St. Paul
* **Telework Eligible**: Yes
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary**: Unlimited
* **Who May Apply**: Open to all qualified job seekers
* **Date Posted**: 09/28/2024
* **Closing Date**: 10/18/2024
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit**: Department of Natural Resources
* **Division/Unit**: Lands and Minerals
* **Work Shift/Work Hours**: Day Shift
* **Days of Work**: Monday – Friday
* **Travel Required**: No
* **Salary Range:** $46.68 – $67.01 / hourly; $97,467 – $139,916 / annually
* **Classified Status**: Classified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union**: 220 – Manager/Unrepresented
* **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 DNR is currently seeking an Assistant Division Director/ Lands, for the Division of Lands and Minerals. This position exists to assist in directing and managing DNR land programs for long-term benefits to the natural resources and people of Minnesota; to coordinate the division’s land-related legislative policy functions and participate in the legislative process for biennial operating and capital budgets; and to direct the Regional Operations Sections, the Survey Section, the Strategic Land Asset Management (SLAM) Unit, the Appraisal Management Unit and the Lands and Minerals PILT and Conservation Easement Stewardship programs. Lands program leadership and staff collaborate with mineral programs within the division to coordinate interrelated land and mineral activities.

Responsibilities include:

* Direct DNR land programs and serve on the Division Management Team to develop division policies and plans so that decisions are made consistent with sound natural resource management and consider the desires and needs of those who use, appreciate, or are affected by lands and minerals resources.
* Direct the division’s land related legislative policy functions and assist with the legislative process for biennial operating and capital budgets so that key resource, economic, and social issues related to lands are effectively addressed and so that the division is prepared to quickly respond to external pressures, initiatives, or proposals.
* Direct Regional Operations Section’s programs and practices and integrate Lands and Minerals programs with the department’s field operations so that department and division goals are met.
* Direct the division’s Strategic Land Asset Management Unit, Appraisal Management Unit, and the Survey Section in order to assure efficient operations in compliance with law and departmental policies and within established program goals and priorities.
* Direct the division’s Conservation Easement Stewardship program, including the division’s responsibilities for agency-wide Conservation Easement Stewardship and ongoing stewardship of the DNR’s Wild and Scenic Rivers conservation easements.
* Improve and maintain professional, technical, administrative, and communications skills to provide effective management of the division.

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.

**Qualifications**
——————

### **Minimum Qualifications**

* Bachelor’s degree in public administration, planning, policy, land management, business, legal, or relevant field.
* Three (3) years managerial or diverse supervisory experience that includes state, regional, and project level planning, program management, and personnel supervision.
* Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.
* Knowledge of real estate law and extensive experience in all phases of real estate management, including land purchases, sales, and exchanges, appraisals, and leasing.
* Ability to analyze and recommend changes to state laws and rules governing state-owned lands and minerals.
* Experience directing and overseeing budgets, programs, projects, and work of professional level staff.
* Experience in long range strategic planning as well as development of operational and project plans.
* Customer and human relations skills sufficient to work with a wide variety of individuals to achieve common objectives.
* Demonstrated leadership skills, organizational, and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff and form/maintain interdisciplinary partnerships and teams.
* Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions on policy/program direction, staff, budgets, etc.
* Communication skills sufficient to communicate technical and nontechnical information clearly, concisely, and effectively.
* Problem solving skills sufficient to define, understand, analyze, prioritize, and recommend solutions to complex problems related to operations, policy, and program priorities.
* A thorough knowledge of state government, the organizational structure, and government policies and procedures.
* Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes including budget development, proposals, and administration and systems level work planning.

### **Preferred Qualifications**

* An advanced degree in public administration, planning, policy, land management, business, legal, or relevant field.
* Knowledge of statutes, policies, and legislative processes.
* Four (4) or more years of experience in governmental land processes in all phases of real estate management, including land purchases, sales, and exchanges, appraisals, and leasing.
* Experience at legislative hearings responding to a broad array of questions.

### **Additional Requirements**

No driving duties are required.

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 job information line 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 Joseph Henderson at joseph.henderson@state.mn.us or 651-327-9266.

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 Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.