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Landscape Stewardship Planner

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Landscape Stewardship Planner
Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 91809
  • Location: Sauk Rapids
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Limited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 03/26/2026
  • Closing Date: 04/15/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Forestry
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $28.26 - $41.43 / hourly; $59,006 - $86,505 / annually
  • Classified Status: Unclassified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • End Date: 01/06/2027
  • FLSA Status: Nonexempt
  • Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No

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

 

The division of Forestry is seeking to hire one (1) State Program Admin Senior, Landscape Stewardship Planner. It is located in Sauk Rapids, MN. 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. 

 

Responsibilities include:

  • Private Lands Forest Conservation Planning.  This position exists to develop, coordinate, implement, and maintain watershed-based Landscape Stewardship Plans (LSPs).  This position will coordinate the incorporation of information in the LSPs into comprehensive watershed management plans (CWMPs) developed through the Board of Water and Soil Resources ( BWSR) One Watershed One Plan (1W1P) program as provided by authorities in Minnesota Statutes 103B as well as other relevant local, state, and federal water resource planning efforts (i.e. MDH source water plans); the state’s Climate Action Framework; and the Minnesota Forest Action Plan (FAP). 
  • Landscape Level Coordination and Technical Assistance.  This position exists to coordinate the building and maintaining of cooperative working relationships by DNR Cooperative Forest Management (CFM) staff and programs with partners to support the implementation of LSPs through local forestry teams (LFTs). This position will coordinate the identifying and prioritizing of landscape and watershed-based forest resource issues and concerns by partners; developing and refining measurable projects that implement goals in the LSPs, water resource plans, and climate mitigation plans and policies; coordinate the implementation of grant projects; and assist DNR staff in the administration of federal, tribal, state, local and private grants
  • Funding and Policy Development.  This position exists to coordinate efforts by partners with DNR CFM staff to develop federal, tribal, state, local, and private funding proposals that support the concurrent implementation of LSPs through DNR programs and through relevant water resource, climate mitigation, and related natural resource planning and implementation processes. This position will also assist DNR and partners develop and refine relevant forest conservation policies to support the CFM programs and related partner programs. 
  • Training and Capacity Development.  This position will coordinate training and capacity development critical to the enhancing and maintaining the delivery of services to private landowners by public agencies and private organizations through DNR CFM programs.
  • Accomplishment Reporting / Intergovernmental Coordination.    This position will coordinate activities to support leadership engagement and commitment in the implementation and accomplishment reporting of goals in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Private Forest Management between the DNR and BWSR (October 24, 2024).

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Three (3) years of intermediate level professional experience. Experience must include providing community and regional planning, forest management theory/practices and delivering technical knowledge to forest professionals.
    • A Bachelor's degree in Community and Regional Planning, Forestry,  Natural Resources,  or closely related field may substitute for one year of experience.
    • A Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning, Forestry, Natural Resources,  or closely related field may substitute for two years of experience.
  • Knowledge of resource planning strategies and communication methodologies with the capacity to analyze social economic and environmental data, apply assessment through development strategies and projects, and effectively communicate analysis and project effects.
  • Ability to manage grant efforts that include payments/expenditures, optimizing grant efforts, overseeing grant applications, progress reports, compliance/regulations, reviewing grant proposals, managing grant databases, and engaging/educating grantees and partner organizations.
  • High level of organizational skills with an ability to prioritize, coordinate, and manage multiple tasks and projects.
  • Ability to coordinate the development and integration of GIS data and mapping to support professional analysis and presentation materials useful to landscape stewardship processes.
  • Ability to train and teach sufficient to convey information in classrooms, field demonstrations, seminars, workshops and to DNR staff as well as partnering resource managers.
  • Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex concepts and principals to other resource professionals and the public and make effective presentations to a wide variety of audiences by identifying their level of understanding and evoking a positive response.
  • Ability to prepare and edit high quality technical reports and management plans, and interpret scientific literature sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase expertise in a specialty area.
  • Leadership skills sufficient to build and manage teams, motivate people and obtain program commitment from division personnel and other forest managers.
  • Completion of a Leadership Development Program or training.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bachelor or Master of Science in Community and Regional Planning, Forestry, or related field.
  • Has conducted a Leadership Development training.
  • Experience managing grant efforts that include payments/expenditures, optimizing grant efforts, overseeing grant applications, progress reports, compliance/regulations, reviewing grant proposals, managing grant databases, and engaging/educating grantees and partner organizations.
  • Demonstrated experience in project management including project planning, organizations, and implementation.
  • Knowledge of Department and Division policies, procedures and operating guidelines and State of Minnesota statutes pertaining to natural resources management.
  • Knowledge of the state’s accounting/grant processing.
  • Broad range of experience with all programs administered by the Division of Forestry with an emphasis on the following major field operations programs: 1) Cooperative Forest Management; 2) State Land Management; 3) Resource Protection with an emphasis on fire suppression and management; and 4) Forest Resource Information and Analysis.

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

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 Gary Michael at gary.michael@state.mn.us or 651-259-5262.

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 Hannah Ziemann at hannah.ziemann@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.