Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section Manager - Program Manager

Conservation Assistance And Regulation Section Manager

Job Class:
Natural Resources Program Manager

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

Job

Location:

St. Paul

Telework Eligible:
Yes, up to 50%

Full/Part Time:
Full-Time

Regular/Temporary:
Unlimited

Who May Apply:
Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted: 08/26/2026

Closing Date: 09/15/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
Department of Natural Resources

Division/Unit:
Ecological and Water Resources

Work Shift/

Work Hours:

Day Shift

Days of Work:
Monday
- Friday

Travel Required:

Yes, occasionally as needed for meetings and events

Salary Range: $48.21 - $69.21 / hourly; $100,662 - $144,510 / annually

Classified Status:
Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Managerial/Unrepresented

FLSA Status:
Exempt
- Executive

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 Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Full-Time Unlimited Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section Manager position located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position exists to manage and direct the Division's statewide programs and services in water regulation, environmental review, land-use and dam safety. In providing oversight and management of the section's programs and services the position supports the DNR mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide strategic direction, planning, administration, and management of the Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section programs.
• Provide strategic leadership and supervision for Section staff to attain program standards ensuring consistent application of policies and procedures.
• Coordinate and act as a liaison between the Conservation Assistance and Regulation Section and other Division sections, regional managers and program supervisors, other Department managers and programs, and external agencies and organizations.
• Collaborate as an active member of the Division Leadership Team (DLT) and other statewide teams to interpret and translate the Division's and Department's mission and vision into operational direction.
• Direct the development and management of biennial budgets and annual spending plans for the Section; and identify and pursue opportunities to secure and leverage external funding sources.
• Actively seek and participate in professional development, so that leadership and management skills are maintained and enhanced.
• Promote and support a healthy, safe, inclusive and productive work environment for all employees.

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

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management, or closely related field.
• A minimum of three (3) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management (or closely related field) programs and staff.
• Management and/or leadership skills, administrative, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff.
• Ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of multi-disciplined interests into decisions and actions.
• Experience working with elected government officials, local units of government staff, state and federal agencies, watershed districts, lake associations, environmental and industry organizations, community groups, and other key staff and officials from related organizations.
• Experience in negotiation, conflict resolution and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
• Organizational and planning skills sufficient to develop and implement long-range strategic and operational plans and short-range work plans.
• Oral and written communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and functions.
• Experience in creating and managing complex, multiple-account budgets.
• Ability to direct effective workplace safety programs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Supervisory or managerial experience in state government.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience in the areas of ecological, natural, or water resource management.
• Experience with Minnesota's executive branch budget development and fiscal management processes and requirements.
• Advanced degree in natural resources sciences such as:…