Acquisition and Development Specialist - NR Spec Sr Parks & Trails

Acquisition and Development Specialist

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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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 agencies.
• Experience communicating with audiences, giving presentations, media interviews, writing articles and publications.
• Experience serving the public, negotiating, resolving conflict and facilitating small and large groups.
• Knowledge of Natural Resources outdoor recreation facilities, programs and policies.
• Human relations skills sufficient to establish rapport, motivate, secure commitment and coordinate consensus among staff and non-staff.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

Applicants must have the ability…