Volunteer Mentor Program Coordinator - State Prog Admin Prin

Working Title: Volunteer Mentor Program Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator Principle

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97736
• 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: 10/16/2026
• Closing Date: 11/05/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,477 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit: 214- Minnesota Association of Professional Employees/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• 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 DNR is looking to fill (1) Volunteer Mentor Program Coordinator position located in St. Paul. This position exists to analyze, strategically plan, design and administer statewide hunting, fishing and related outdoor recreation volunteer mentor training programs and outreach events for the Division of Fish and Wildlife, including but not limited to; analyzing internal and external program resources, developing and administering a statewide volunteer management system, designing and conducting volunteer trainings, designing volunteer engagement opportunities, celebrating volunteers, facilitating communication and coordination between existing mentoring organizations, the DNR and private sector hunting and fishing organizations. The position will keep abreast of and participate in national hunting and fishing mentoring discussions and directions and strategically plan Minnesota's state-level implementation, including developing state programs, products and services and providing capacity-building opportunities for recruiting, retaining, and reactivating hunters and anglers.

Responsibilities Include

• Analyze current programs and strategize for volunteer continuous improvement; develop and implement statewide volunteer mentor program for the DNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, including promoting the program to partner organizations; recruiting, training and managing volunteers; and compiling, analyzing and reporting program impact data.
• Utilizing DNR volunteer and mentor management software(s) to successfully recruit, retain, and reactivate anglers and hunters. Launch and sustain online mentoring system to match hunting mentors with mentees.
• Collaborate with DNR staff and external partners to develop effective marketing to convince the sporting public of the importance of participating in mentoring programs. This will include meeting with organizations, drafting articles for newsletters and magazines, advertising, PSA's, etc.
• Provide support to sporting groups mentoring participation, including attending youth and adult Learn to Hunt and Fish events, maintaining lists of mentors, providing background check services, facilitating partnerships with mentoring agencies, drafting press releases, guiding evaluation, etc.
• Integrate volunteers into existing programs and develop volunteer/mentor skills certification system. Assess volunteer abilities and deliver skill-building training to ensure high quality consistent program delivery.
• Coordinate DNR's involvement in the Governor's Openers and other large outreach events Managing logistics regarding DNR volunteer opportunities, media engagement, special expenses, invites, marketing agreement, event proposal and on location meetings.
• Manage budgets, develop budget requests and strategize on creative partnerships to fund special projects and initiatives. Develop program fees and registration requirements though collaboration with program partners. Purchases supplies as needed for workshops and volunteers.
• Support Fish and Wildlife Outreach programming and involvement in large events, including planning and delivery of online and in-person education programs, development of online resources, agency traditional and social media efforts, and participation in the Governor’s Openers and other large outreach events and programs.
  
  

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 Education, Marketing, Social Sciences, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, Biological or Environmental Sciences, or related field.

Four (4) years of professional experience planning, implementing, and measuring the success of non-formal educational or volunteer management programs, products and services for a regional, statewide, or national-level organization or agency.

Experience teaching or mentoring the outdoor recreational activities of hunting and fishing.

Experience presenting data and information in an understandable manner to a wide variety of audiences.

Human relations and collaborative skills to effectively work to bring together diverse interests to accomplish common objectives.

Knowledge of program administration, budget oversight, written reports, partnership coordination, and equipment/supply inventory.

Ability to effectively manage state-wide projects cooperatively with others, setting and meeting deadlines.

Ability to work with and manage groups with diverse backgrounds, abilities and ages.

Conflict management skills to analyze and resolve ambiguous or controversial situations and make difficult decisions.

Technology skills sufficient to use DNR volunteer management software, mentor and mentee matching software, and Microsoft Office products to prepare and deliver essential communications.

Experience leading volunteer recruitment, training, engagement, and recognition along with administration skills to track, measure, and report volunteer impact.

Preferred Qualifications

Master's degree in Education, Marketing, Social Sciences, Natural Resources, Environmental Studies, Biological or Environmental Sciences, or related field.

Experience managing a diverse volunteer network.

Experience mentoring and teaching hunting and fishing skills to effectively design, evaluate and teach related skill-building for in-person and online program models.

Significant knowledge of natural resource and hunting/fishing topics and issues surrounding hunter and angler recruitment, retention, and reactivation.

Experience working with and developing partnerships with government, non-profit, and business organizations.

Strong organizational and planning skills sufficient to oversee large projects, prioritize, and make recommendations or decisions on the direction of a project.

Knowledge of local, state and federal environmental laws, regulations and policies related to the conservation of natural resources.

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 Paul Vang at Paul.Vang@state.mn.us or 651-259-5247.

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 Sarah Neisen at Sarah.Neisen@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.