Acquisition and Development Specialist - NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

• Telework Eligible:
  Yes
• Education Verification
• License / Certification Verification

• Job
• 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: 07/29/2026
• Closing Date:08/18/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Region 3
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes
• Salary Range: $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / 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.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full‑time Acquisition and Development Specialist located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Days and hours of work are 7:00 am – 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday.

This position exists to lead and coordinate development projects, acquire property, conduct property management activities, and participate in the planning of Parks and Trails recreation facilities. This includes strategic coordination of acquisition and development opportunities in public water accesses, state water trails, state trails, state parks and recreation areas, state forest recreation areas, other units, and related divisional activity.

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 an annual telework agreement.

Associates degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation, Business, Communications, or closely related field, and TWO YEARS of para‑professional or professional experience which includes: creating work plans and/or preparing reports; providing lead work direction to staff; administering and/or supporting work that includes outdoor recreation and/or natural resources management programs, facilities or projects; administrative experience with budget and process management.

A Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in natural or cultural resource management, parks and recreation, natural science, communications, education, public relations, business management, political science, public administration, social science or closely related field may substitute for one year of the experience listed above.

• Knowledge of outdoor recreation facilities and programs.
• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to resolve issues with individuals and groups.
• Communications skills sufficient to give clear instructions and provide appropriate responses to individuals and groups.
• Writing skills sufficient to develop and finalize work plans, reports, presentations and/or proposals using appropriate business language.
• Ability to use and understand computer and communication equipment sufficient to carry out administrative tasks and complete work effectively. This includes word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
• Ability to navigate natural terrain, board vehicles and watercraft (including trucks and large equipment), and endure physical exertion.

• Master or Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources Management, Parks/Recreation or closely related degree.
• Experience prioritizing work and managing projects with multiple teams.
• Experience in preparing natural resource management plans, using GIS skills to create plan maps, and analyzing data.
• Experience coordinating resource projects.
• Experience directing staff, coordinating volunteers, and working with other…