Project Manager, Senior; Parks

Overview

POSTING TYPE:
Open competitive
DEPARTMENT:
Parks

HOURS:

Full-time
SALARY RANGE: $82,/year (109 grade level)

LOCATION:

Apple Valley, WSC
UNION:
None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026

What You'll Do
The Senior Project Manager will have a lead role in the design, preparation and implementation of land conservation and natural resource programs within, and as appropriate, outside the Parks Department in the Natural Resources Program. The Senior Project Manager serves on a multitude of team projects providing direct management, leadership, and organization and process expertise needed to implement projects and ongoing programs.

Who We Are
Dakota County is Minnesota’s third largest county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence in public service, with a focus on four values:
Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation.

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Qualifications

• Bachelor s Degree AND two years  experience in leading and managing projects and programs.
OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience to total 6 or more years in leading and managing projects and programs.
AND

• Valid Driver s License

Preferred experience beyond minimum qualifications

• Completed degree in Geography, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field.
• Direct work experience with land conservation/protection, natural resources, park inholding acquisitions, conservation leases, stewardship planning, and/or greenways projects
• Leading and managing activities and work of staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, and institutional crews
• Experience managing and/or developing contracts, project budgets, and grants.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position s management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
:
Duties 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 are essential functions.

• Ability to reason through projects and determine the best way to address issues and solve problems
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices related to project/program development and management
• Knowledge of and ability with computers
• Ability to develop and implement project/program processes and timelines
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to…