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Federal Assistance Coordinator

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Federal Assistance Coordinator
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 80990
  • 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: 11/19/2024
  • Closing Date: 12/09/2024
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Fish & Wildlife / F&W Administrative Services
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes
  • Salary Range: $35.43 - $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 - $109,682 / annually
  • Job Class Option: Federal Assistance
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
  • 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

 

The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) Federal Assistance Coordinator position at our central office in Saint Paul, MN. 

This position administers and coordinates the DNR’s Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration grants. These grants fund significant programs in several DNR Divisions, with the position based in the Fish and Wildlife Division. The Federal Assistance Coordinator is responsible for preparing and submitting grant applications, reviewing, and submitting programmatic and financial reports, and complying with all federal grant requirements thereby ensuring program eligibility. This work includes understanding and implementing grant rules related to land acquisition, and long-term monitoring of land use for programmatic purposes. This position, in coordination with the Federal Grants Supervisor, is a primary point of contact for communication to and from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Office of Conservation Investment for these grant programs. This position also assists the Administrative Services Section Manager with projects as needed to assure budget and cost-coding structure is in place to accurately reflect the activities of the Division.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

  • Manage approximately 20 Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration federal grants (in excess of $35 million annually) so that administrative, fiscal, and programmatic requirements are met.
  • Ensure that Minnesota’s Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration grants are in compliance with federal requirements so that the DNR remains eligible to receive federal funds.
  • Manage and communicate grant information from the USFWS Office of Conservation Investment so that DNR and USFWS staff have the necessary information pertaining to federal assistance grants and grant programs.
  • Consult on the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration grants so that questions are answered, issues resolved, and problems avoided while staying within federal laws and regulations.
  • Complete ongoing responsibilities for federal assistance acquisitions and developments so that federal laws and regulations are met for both newly acquired properties, and properties previously acquired with grant funds.
  • Assist in the financial management of federal grants so that maximum federal reimbursement is received as quickly as possible.
  • Assist the Administrative Services Section Manager with budget management, budget planning, and special projects such as cost accounting, financial reporting, and representing the section in the manager’s absence.

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 you to travel to an annual Federal Coordinators meeting, USFWS training, site visits, and DNR training meetings. Travel may require overnight and out-of-state travel between 1-5 times per year.

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Four (4) years of experience in developing, coordinating, planning, evaluating, and implementation of a program, with demonstrated experience in incoming or outgoing grants, sufficient to assist in the financial management of federal grants.
    • A bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Natural Resource Management, Fish & Wildlife Management, Ecology, Aquatic Biology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Project Management, Grants-Administration, Public Policy/Administration, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.   
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Natural Resource Management (Fish or Wildlife Management), Ecology, Wildlife Biology, Aquatic Biology, Conservation Biology, or a closely related field, sufficient to communicate effectively with project leaders and field staff and prepare federal endangered species documentation. 
  • Experience in leadwork sufficient to motivate, collaborate, and develop others, and achieve organizational goals or objectives.  
  • Qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills sufficient to evaluate data quality, prepare program reports, and develop policy and program administration recommendations.
  • Organization skills sufficient to manage projects, coordinate complicated program initiatives, plan for contingencies, establish work agreements and priorities, and meet established timetables, quality standards and complete established objectives.
  • Ability to interpret, comprehend, and apply guidelines, policies, statutes, legislation, and grant proposals according to individual circumstances or situations.
  • Ability to identify issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions.
  • Communication skills sufficient to accurately and effectively transmit information through verbal and written formats, create and edit reports, establish strong working relationships with DNR leadership, DNR staff, and USFWS staff, create and present staff training materials, and communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse customers and partners.
  • Skills with office technology systems, such as Microsoft Office, or similar programs, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.

Preferred Qualifications

  • A bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Natural Resource Management, Fish & Wildlife Management, Ecology, Aquatic Biology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Project Management, Grants Administration, Public Policy/Administration, or a closely related field.
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to federal grant programs, including compliance regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act and/or the Endangered Species Act sufficient to administer federal incoming grant program.
  • Knowledge of the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration grant programs, or experience with grants managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Conservation Investment.
  • Knowledge of state and federal land acquisition processes, and requirements for long-term management of land acquired with federal funds.
  • Knowledge of accounting data systems, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), internal controls or fiscal/program audits.
  • Knowledge of the functions, programs, operations, structure, and interrelationships of a major statewide natural resource management organization.
  • Skill in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) sufficient to review data and compile existing data into basic maps.
  • Demonstrated skills in continuous improvement processes, root cause analysis, and project management.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record. 

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. 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 Heather Kieweg at heather.kieweg@state.mn.us or 651-259-5214.

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 Tava Cayo at tava.cayo@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.