Environmental Review Project Manager
Environmental Review Project Manager
Job Class: Planner Senior State
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 87878
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes, hybrid
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 8/11/2025
- Closing Date: 9/2/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Ecological & Water Resources
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $27.84 - $40.82 / hourly; $58,129 - $85,232 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
- 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.
Job Summary
This position will fulfill the state's responsibilities under the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act by coordinating, developing, and preparing environmental review documents, primarily Environmental Assessment Worksheets (EAWs). It would also provide project management and process support for other project managers conducting Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) and DNR’s technical representative to the Environmental Quality Board.
Primary Responsibilities include:
- Conduct and manage complete environmental review of EAW projects for which the DNR is responsible so that the rules and requirements of the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the Minnesota Rules are fully met.
- Organize and conduct planning activities necessary to prepare EAWs and EISs for which the DNR is the responsible governmental unit (RGU).
- Assess project proposals for the need for mandatory or discretionary EAWs and EISs.
- Support EIS Project Managers with items such as planning, communications, consultant management, budgetary and financial matters.
- Support the DNR Technical Representative to the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) on special interagency projects, events, environmental review program maintenance and improvement activities, or routine reports.
This position may be eligible to telework on a full or part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, natural resource management, policy and planning, political science, or a closely related field.
- 2 years of professional experience in the areas of soil, geology, water resources or hydrology, land use, biology, ecology, fish and wildlife, or related planning work.
- 1 year or more of professional project management experience sufficient to identify risks, critical paths, and resources and coordinate the work of others across multiple simultaneous operations.
- Human relations skills sufficient to motivate, guide, train and build consensus with clients, peers, and staff.
- Excellent writing and communication skills sufficient to generate and translate highly technical information for a variety of audiences.
- Proficiency with databases and shared network drives; spreadsheets, presentation and word processing programs, such as the Microsoft Office suite.
- Proficiency with digital calendars, email and virtual meeting platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, sufficient to schedule meetings, lead meetings, screen-share, and collaborate on documents.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced degree in public administration, business, natural resources management, policy and planning, political science, or related field.
- A detailed understanding of the major steps and milestones of the environmental review processes that occur in Minnesota.
- Experience writing EAWs or EISs.
- Experience as the Responsible Governmental Unit project manager for state or federal environmental review.
- Formal project management training or certification.
- Experience planning and leading meetings (internal teams or external workshops/public events).
- Experience planning out and executing many concurrent activities and identifying critical path.
- Experience with water resource planning and management in state, federal, or local units of government.
- Knowledge of formal environmental review laws, procedures, and policies.
Additional Requirements
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.
It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:
- Employment Reference Check
- SEMA4 Records Check
- Criminal History Check
- Conflict of Interest Review
- Education/license verification
Application Details
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 Jill Townley at jill.townley@state.mn.us or 651-259-5168.
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 Jill Townley at jill.townley@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.