Acquisition and Development Specialist - NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

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* Working Title:

Acquisition and Development Specialist*
* ** Job Class:
Natural Resources Specialist Senior Parks & Trails*
* ** Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources*
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** Job ** : 95804

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** Location** :
St. Paul

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** Telework Eligible** :
Yes

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** Full/Part Time** :
Full-Time

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** Regular/Temporary** :
Unlimited

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** Who May Apply** :
Open to all qualified job seekers

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** Date Posted** : 07/29/2026

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** Closing Date** :08/18/2026

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** Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** :
Department of Natural Resources

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** Division/Unit** : DNR Parks & Trails Region 3

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** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Day Shift

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** Days of Work** :
Monday - Friday

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** Travel Required** :
Yes

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** Salary Range:**  $29.76 - $43.69 / hourly; $62,138 - $91,224 / annually

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** Classified Status** :
Classified

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** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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** FLSA Status** :
Nonexempt

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
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 7:00am - 3:30pm, 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.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

+ Lead and coordinate development work plans of the assigned Parks and Trails programs so that work plan goals, policies and procedures are followed, and projects are completed according to specifications.

+ Lead the land acquisition activities of the assigned Parks and Trails programs.

+ Facilitate with the establishment of the partnerships, provide information, and be a liaison with private citizens, private business, interest groups, local units of government, other governmental agencies, and Department disciplines.

+ Lead, coordinate, and evaluate the natural and cultural impacts related to all development activities by working with resource management unit and Minnesota Historical Society archeologist and historians with consultation from the State Historic Preservation office and other governmental agencies.

+ Assist in all phases of planning from conceptual through development for the assigned Parks and Trails projects.

+ To actively seek and participate in professional development so that leadership and management skills are current.

+ Provide staff support for land management activities pertaining to acquisition and development projects so that leases, easements, cooperative agreements, potential trespass, encroachments, and illegal uses are identified and resolved.

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.

** Minimum Qualifications*
* 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.

** AND*
* + 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…