Community Environmental Justice Coordinator – State Program Admin Principal

Job Description

**Job Details**
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**Working Title****: Community Environmental Justice Coordinator**

**Job Class: State Program Administrator Principal**

**Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources**

* **Job ID:** 82365
* **Location:** St Paul
* **Telework Eligible**: Yes, hybrid
* **Full/Part Time**: Full-Time
* **Regular/Temporary:** Unlimited
* **Who May Apply:** Open to all qualified job seekers
* **Date Posted:** 12/17/2024
* **Closing Date:** 01/06/2025
* **Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:** Department of Natural Resources
* **Division/Unit:** Forestry
* **Work Shift/Work Hours:** Day Shift
* **Days of Work:** Monday – Friday
* **Travel Required**: Yes, community events and trainings.
* **Salary Range:** $31.92 – $47.05 / hourly; $66,649 – $98,240 / annually
* **Classified Status:** Classified
* **Bargaining Unit/Union:** 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
* **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**
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The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) Community and Environmental Justice Coordinator position at our central office in Saint Paul, MN. This position will intend to create equitable access to tree benefits for historically underserved, and Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities to develop mutually beneficial relationships between people and the urban landscape, statewide.

The person in this position will use collective community engagement to develop and implement actionable solutions that equitably provide community tree benefits; connecting people to employment pathways in the tree service sector; expanding reach through internal and external partnerships; and assisting in the growth, maintenance, and planting of new trees. The intention of this role is to co-create projects and initiatives with community members that have identified their value and needs surrounding tree canopy while maintaining transparency and being flexible with emerging needs.

A critical piece of this position will also serve to develop, communicate, and implement system improvements for the Urban and Community Forestry program and the Division of Forestry. This position will serve as statewide lead in managing and implementing continuous improvement in environmental justice processes, workflow systems, and implement environmental justice opportunities into the Cooperative Forest Management unit.

Responsibilities include:

* Identify communities, develop and maintain relationships, and support where community needs and interests align with resources the Urban and Community Forestry Program, and partners can provide.
* Create an environment where community members feel safe, heard, and encouraged to openly share their experiences and needs around trees in their community.
* Collaborate, coordinate, connect, and support environmental justice communities in meeting urban and community forestry initiatives.
* Analyze processes, intended and actual outcomes, and communicate findings to improve environmental justice in urban and community forestry statewide.
* Maintain, incorporate, and provide environmental justice expertise, including providing recommendations to help local, state, and national organizations overcome systemic barriers to program participation.
* Serve as resource staff to the Community / Private Lands Specialist, Section Manager, and the Division Director to assure that administrative functions, special programs and unforeseen opportunities or problems are addressed in an orderly and timely manner.
* Develop and implement effective communication strategies to enhance community environmental justice around trees and tree canopy.
* Provide support and consultation, coordinate and work with field staff and partners on urban and community forestry initiatives so that the highest priority environmental justice areas and communities are served consistent with their goals and objectives.
* Serve as statewide technical expert in community centered environmental justice so that the urban and community forestry program remains innovative and plans can be made for long-range resource needs by researching new information, advising technical staff, and integrating current techniques and best practices with scientific and political concerns.
* Direct urban and community forest program activities department-wide, inter-agency, and groups affected by program policies and procedures, so that individuals and the division work together to meet collective goals by meeting with individuals or organizations on problems or issues; collecting, assembling and providing information on resource issues; and serving as the division representative at meetings.

Normal working hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but are subject to change based on work needs; hours of work may include weekends, evenings and holidays. This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis for onboarding, meetings, and work collaboration, etc.

**Qualifications**
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### **Minimum Qualifications**

* Three years of professional experience working with multicultural audiences in planning, implementing, and evaluating work in the areas of civic engagement and community outreach/organizing.
+ A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Human Rights, Public Policy, Political Sciences, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources or closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.
* Experience building and maintaining trust with historically marginalized communities, including racially diverse communities, immigrant communities, or economically disadvantaged groups.
* Knowledge of justice and equity principles sufficient to foster meaningful relationships with respect to community tree development/implementation of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
* Demonstrated experience in project management including project planning, organization, and implementation.
* Knowledge of basic principles of urban and community forestry.
* Demonstrated skills in verbal communications and technical/administrative writing, sufficient to organize and effectively present ideas to the intended audience clearly and respectfully promote community and urban environmental initiatives.
* Skills in negotiation, mediation and consensus building sufficient to work with diverse stakeholders and resolve conflict situations.
* Conflict navigation/human relations skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation, when possible.
* Skills in budgeting and finance sufficient to manage and track multiple budgets, grant agreements or contracts.
* Leadership skills sufficient to motivate, provide recognition, and gain program commitment from other staff and cooperators.
* Ability to review, interpret, and present information to recommend appropriate communication strategies.
* Ability to recognize and respect different community needs and values.
* Ability to use word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel, including utilizing technologies in virtual meetings.

### **Preferred Qualifications**

* A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Human Rights, Public Policy, Political Sciences, Urban and Regional Planning, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources or closely related field.
* Fluent in a second language sufficient to provide support to the diverse communities of Minnesota.
* Knowledge of area community groups, environmental justice organizations or urban and community forestry institutions
* Knowledge of DNR and division policies, procedures and operational orders.
* Community based understanding of the tree canopy gap.
* Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental laws, regulations and policies related to the conservation of natural resources.
* Successful participation in the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.

### **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. 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**
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### **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 Valerie McClannahan at valerie.mcclannahan@state.mn.us or 651-792-5125

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 Layla Daleiden at layla.daleiden@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.