Working Title: Grants Specialist
Job Class: Grants Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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Job ID: 92963
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Location: St. Paul
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Telework Eligible: Yes; Hybrid
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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: 05/27/2026
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Closing Date: 06/16/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
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Division/Unit: Operations Services / Community Grants Team
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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: No
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Salary Range: $25.67 - $37.26 / hourly; $53,598 - $77,798 / annually
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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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 (DNR) is launching the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grants Program—a high-visibility, high-impact initiative designed to expand access to funding and support community-based natural resource projects across Minnesota. This position joins a collaborative grants team responsible for administering high-impact state-wide grant programs that support community-based natural resource projects and responsible public fund stewardship across Minnesota. If you are energized by strong administration, supporting equitable access to funding and helping ensure public funds are managed with excellence and integrity, this is an opportunity to contribute to an important statewide program serving communities across Minnesota.
The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) permanent Grant Specialist position within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS) at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.
This position supports the effective administration of the ENRTF Community Grants Program and the Pass-Through Grants Unit within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS). While the position is housed within the Community Grants team, it provides shared grant administration support across both programs to help ensure grant activities are managed consistently, compliantly and in alignment with applicable laws, policies and requirements from the Department of Administration’s Office of Grants Management.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
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Assist in the day-to-day administration of the Pass-Through Grants Unit in alignment with the program's objectives. Support Pass-Through grant team members in monitoring grant projects, including progress and agreement requirements, receiving and coordinating reimbursement requests, coordinating the completion of grant agreements, maintaining accurate grant records, tracking tools, and documentation to support program compliance, and supporting other team grant administration activities.
- Assist in the day-to-day administration of the Community Grants (CG) in alignment with the program's objectives. Assist CG grant team members by assisting with grant agreement management, reimbursement and reporting review, compliance monitoring, documentation and records management, calendar and deadline tracking, meeting and training coordination, grantee communications and support, Community Grants Advisory Council support, application and review process logistics, and general administrative and operational support to help ensure grants are managed accurately, consistently and in alignment with applicable state policies, laws, program requirements and use of funds by grantees..
This position may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis, which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location at least 50% of the time.
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One (1) year of professional experience providing administrative support for grant programs, grant compliance activities, contract administration, financial review, program operations or related public sector program support.
- An associates degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
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Experience maintaining records, tracking deadlines, reviewing documentation for completeness, and supporting compliance with policies, procedures, contracts, grant agreements, or financial requirements.
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Ability to organize and manage multiple assignments, calendars, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to coordinate with grantees, staff, reviewers and external parties; respond to routine questions; and support meetings, trainings and program operations.
- Ability to review information, identify missing or inconsistent documentation, apply established procedures, and elevate issues requiring additional review or supervisor decision-making. Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and adapt to changes that arise.
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Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office or similar programs sufficient to manage calendars, scheduling, spreadsheets, reports, databases, correspondence and document tracking systems.
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A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field.
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Experience providing administrative or operational support for grants, contracts, public programs, finance, compliance, or related government or nonprofit programs.
- Experience managing calendars, scheduling meetings, coordinating trainings or events, tracking deadlines, and supporting multiple staff or teams with competing priorities.
- Experience maintaining accurate records, reviewing documentation for completeness, and supporting reporting, reimbursement, or compliance processes.
- Experience communicating with external partners, grantees, applicants, or community-based organizations regarding deadlines, required documentation, and routine program requirements.
- Experience using Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Excel, Word, Teams, and shared document management systems for scheduling, tracking, reporting, and correspondence.
- Experience supporting programs that serve community-based organizations, first-time applicants, or historically underserved communities, including helping reduce barriers to access and improve process navigation.
This position has no driving duties required.
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
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 Gwendolyn Tweed at [email protected] or 651-259-5225.
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 Tava Cayo 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.
