Working Title: Regional Manager - Central Region
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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Job ID: 94050
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 05/14/2026
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Closing Date: 06/03/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
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Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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Travel Required: Yes - Occasionally
- Salary Range: $44.03 - $63.35 / hourly; $91,934 - $132,274 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrepresented
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Ecological and Water Resources is currently seeking a Regional Manager to direct, manage, administer, and implement all Divisional programs, policies, budgets, grants and operations for the Central Region. This is a higher-level managerial position that works to bring together programs that work on ecological and water related issues critical to Central and Southeast Minnesota. The position provides a fast-paced diverse work environment. The position works closely with others to provide leadership for the Department, the Division, and the Region to develop and implement the Division's and Department's mission and vision.
Job duties include:
- Direct, develop, and manage the policies, programs, and priorities of the division as a member of the Division Leadership Team (DLT) and other statewide teams and committees.
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Develop and manage programs, policies, and strategies to respond to driving trends as an active member of the Regional Management Team (RMT) and other regional teams and committees.
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Establish and maintain partnerships with external constituents and stakeholders for awareness and understanding of Department and Division goals.
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Provide leadership and supervision for regional and field operations staff through direct and indirect reports, ensuring that Department, Region and Division programs are implemented and personnel time is effectively used.
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Direct the management and implementation of all program strategies and initiatives of the Division within the region.
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.
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Bachelor's degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management, or closely related field.
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A minimum of three (3) years managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising ecological, natural resource, or water resource management programs and staff.
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Academic knowledge and advanced professional experience in the ecological, natural resources, and/or water resources management field.
- Demonstrated management and/or leadership skills and managing in an interdisciplinary organization.
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Experience implementing higher-level direction at a local or programmatic level and identifying and implementing work priorities
- Experience working with elected officials, local units of government, state and federal agencies, stakeholder and community groups, environmental and industry organizations, members of the public, etc.
- Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to ensure effective and respectful communication and engagement
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Organizational, administrative and interpersonal skills necessary to direct, develop and engage staff, oversee work, and manage performance.
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Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of multi-disciplined interests into decisions and actions.
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Experience in negotiation, conflict resolution and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
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Communications skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences.
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Understanding of strategies to support a healthy, safe, productive, and inclusive work environment.
- Experience in creating or managing budgets.
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Advanced degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management or closely related field.
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Five years or more of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience in the areas of ecological, natural, or water resource management
- Supervisory or managerial experience in state government.
- Expertise in developing and implementing communications strategies for high profile programs and policies
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Knowledge of the legislative process and functions.
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Experience with Minnesota’s executive branch budget development and fiscal management process and requirements
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Leadership experience in advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion in the work environment.
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:
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Conflict of Interest Review
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Criminal History Check
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Education Verification
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Employment Reference / Records Check
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License / Certification Verification
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Melissa Kuskie at [email protected] or 651-296-6157.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. 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 Jordan Krueger at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
