Working Title: Assistant Regional Manager- State Prog Admin Manager

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 04/17/2024

• Closing Date : 05/14/2024

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : Parks and Trails/ Region 1

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Routine travel within the region and occasional statewide travel

• Salary Range: $38.53 - $55.69 / hourly; $80,450 - $116,280 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrepresented

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Executive

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking an Assistant Regional Manager for the Northwest Region of the Parks & Trails Division. The work will require occasional overnight travel for meetings and may require occasional weekend work.

This position is responsible for directing the development of regional work plans, overseeing regional operations and program delivery, and directing and implementing all Parks and Trails Division programs, policies, fiscal management activities and operations for the region. It serves as the direct, on-site support to the Parks and Trails South regional manager in the accomplishment of broad management responsibilities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and monitor regional work plans for all Division operations to meet department and division goals and objectives. Implementation activities occur within strategic frameworks, including the department’s Conservation Agenda, the division’s strategic and system plans, unit plans, and other planning and policy directives.

• Direct the implementation of strategic and operational components of natural and cultural resource management, interpretation, conservation education, and facility management of already-developed state trails, state parks and state recreation areas, public water accesses, state waysides, grant-in-aid trails, state water trails, state waysides and other division units within the region.

• Provide strategic leadership integrating regional planning, land acquisition, development projects, and renewal activities with operations to ensure sustainable and compatible contributions toward achieving Division goals.

• Provide leadership and supervision directly to Northwest region district supervisors and indirectly to field staff so division programs are implemented within a supportive, equitable and respectful workplace climate.

• Implement the regional operation and program budget management activities in alignment with division priorities to effectively engage personnel, uphold policies, satisfy organizational needs, meet program requirements and maintain fiscal integrity.

• Lead region efforts to assure responsibility for safety, health and wellness elements and performance accountability while continuously working to strengthen a healthy culture of safety and respect among all employees, programs and customers.

• Direct and plan regional enforcement, training and emergency services activities to provide public enjoyment and safe use of park/trail resources and facilities.

• Seek and participate in professional development for continued growth and stay connected with emerging trends in outdoor recreation and resource management.

The preferred work location for the selected candidate is Bemidji, MN. The selected candidate may have the option to report to other existing DNR offices in the work area. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.

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. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis.

Minimum Qualifications

Please make sure your application materials clearly describe how you meet the qualifications listed below.

• A Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field.

AND

• Three years' managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing or supervising outdoor recreation and natural resource management programs.

To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Knowledge and management of recreational facility physical design, development, operations (including resource management and interpretation) and maintenance plus equipment used, sufficient to evaluate unit/program needs and performance; to evaluate/improve operational activities, propose budget levels and comply with policies.

• Knowledge of government budgeting and financial management processes sufficient to ensure funds are properly administered, needs are accurately assessed and represented in the appropriate processes, expenditures of funds are appropriate and tracked, interpret budget reports, and articulate budget proposals.

• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning procedures sufficient to participate in generation of unit plans, evaluate recommendations and explain proposals and reports to staff, peers and superiors.

• Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff, address complex and confidential human resource issues, manage performance, motivate people and obtain program commitment from division personnel, and work as a productive member of teams.

• Experience in negotiation, conflict management and consensus building with diverse groups internally and externally. Includes critical thinking skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous and/or controversial situations, make difficult decisions, and persuade others of the merits of a position or proposal that supports/advocates for the mission of the division/department and build consensus among varied and sometimes conflicting opinions.

• Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to administer the programmatic area, as well as the ability to treat all employees inclusively to ensure that long-term and short-term goals and objectives equitably empower all employees, stakeholders, and the public.

• Ability to manage and direct numerous large regional division initiatives and participate on statewide and regional multi-discipline initiatives and teams.

• Ability to apply broad knowledge to complex issues sufficient to anticipate trends, analyze data and find solutions that balance long-term resource conservation demands.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate multi-disciplinary aspects of natural and cultural resource management.

• Considerable knowledge around workplace safety sufficient to recognize unsafe practices, coach for improved safety performance, and develop workplace policies and procedures that lead to safer working conditions and enhance the culture of safety.

• Oral and written communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professions and the public; make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response; prepare and edit reports and management plans; research sufficient topics to solve problems; and educate others.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to skillfully perform in situations with a political backdrop sufficient to advance department/division proposals. Experience with governmental processes.

• Experience with grants program management or revenue collection systems related to merchandising and fee collection.

• Knowledge of outdoor recreation programs, policies and procedures sufficient to direct program activities of staff, evaluate the success of their efforts, and recommend changes in policy, or budget adjustments that would enhance regional and statewide programs in the Department.

• Knowledge of principles and practices of law enforcement sufficient to provide qualified oversight of enforcement activities and education of staff and the public.

• Demonstrated ability to integrate Parks and Trails regional operations and programs with other disciplines, partners and agencies towards accomplishing departmental and divisional work and strategic plans.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.