Working Title: District Manager
Job Class: Natural Resources Supervisor
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 97685
- 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: 11/03/2026
- Closing Date: 11/23/2026
- 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, occasional travel for meetings
- Salary Range: $40.23 - $57.94 / hourly; $84,000 - $120,978 / annually
- Job Class Option: Ecological & Water Resources
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
- 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 hire one (1) Full-time permanent District Manager position located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This position will direct, manage, administer, and implement all Divisional programs, policies, budgets, grants and operations for the South District of the Central Region. The position provides leadership for the Department as a member of Division and Regional-level teams to develop and implement the Division and Department's mission and vision.
Responsibilities Include
- Collaborate in the development and management of policies, programs, priorities, and processes of the Division and Department as a member of the Division's regional leadership team (comprising the Regional Managers, Assistant Regional Managers, and District Managers statewide) and Central Region leadership team to accomplish the Division and Department's mission and vision.
- Provide program direction, priority setting, work planning and strategic leadership for Division programs within the district, so that operational needs and program requirements are met.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with external constituents and stakeholders for awareness and understanding of Division goals and to understand stakeholder needs, desires and expectations.
- Provide leadership and supervision for staff in the District through direct and indirect reports, ensuring that Department, Division, Region and Area programs are implemented and personnel time is effectively used.
- Direct and manage the fiscal and administrative activities in the District, so that organization and program requirements are met and funds are spent consistent with priorities, objectives, and financial guidelines and directives.
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 of managerial or supervisory experience that includes state, regional or project level planning and/or management within a natural resource field OR a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience implementing natural resources management programs.
- Skills in management and/or leadership, priority setting, and operational planning to direct complex program work across multiple resource areas.
- Organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop and engage staff, contribute to management teams, and develop and maintain relationships with customers and partners.
- Experience managing ecological, natural resource or water resource management programs.
- Ability to analyze complex technical and administrative information, make informed decisions, and provide clear guidance to staff and partners.
- Skills to effectively communicate complex information and facilitate discussions with a wide variety of audiences.
- Ability to direct effective workplace safety programs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience effectively managing staff covered by collective bargaining agreements.
- Experience representing a team or unit in high-visibility or complex situations, including conflict resolution and consensus-building,
- Knowledge of state-level policy development processes and experience contributing to agency-wide initiatives, guidance documents, or strategic plans.
- Advanced degree in natural resources sciences such as ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management or closely related field.
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 to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status).
It Is Policy Of The Department Of Natural Resources That All Candidates Submit To a Background Check Prior To Employment. The Background Check May Consist Of The Following Components
- Conflict of Interest Review
- Criminal History Check
- Education Verification
- Employment Reference / Records Check
- License / Certification Verification
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Mike Larson at michael.larson@state.mn.us or 651-378-6215.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@state.mn.us.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your Benefits May Include
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
