Our Ability Jobs

Working Title : CPL Grants Team Member

Job Class: State Program Administrator Senior

Agency: Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 82740

• Location: St. Paul, MN

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted: 12/28/2024

• Closing Date: 1/17/2025

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife/Administrative Services

• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift

• Days of Work: Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Yes; Occasional for in-state meeting & legislative hearings.

• Salary Range: $27.84 - $40.82/hourly; $58,130 - $85,232/annually

• Classified Status: Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota’s natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.

The DNR is currently seeking a CPL Grants Team Member in St. Paul, MN. This position exists to assist in administration of the Conservation Partners Legacy Program (CPL) funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund.

The CPL Program is a financial assistance program aimed at fish and wildlife habitat improvement projects for long-term benefits to the people of Minnesota. This position helps to plan and coordinate a grant delivery system and implements the system in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal laws and recommends program improvements and changes to the Program Coordinator. Work on this program includes testifying to council members and advocating/recommending future program funding, providing technical assistance to applicants, reviewing project applications, executing contracts, auditing program activities, processing payment requests, and ensuring fiscal compliance of projects and project managers.

Responsibilities include:

• Implement and maintain the CPL Program based on current legislative requirements, feedback from stakeholders, and applicable state and federal grant policies.

• Compile, summarize, review, and approve project proposals for the CPL Program. Provide programmatic and technical assistance to applicants.

• Assist with the logistics involved in managing Technical Review Committees, Division Director, and Commissioner Office meetings, as well as the Habitat Team Expedited Conservation Project (ECP) reviews throughout the year.

• Administer and track contracts, annual performance reports, review, and approve/deny payments, and close out contracts with local outdoor groups. Assist with recipient tracking and data management.

• Monitor awarded projects, including progress reports and agreement requirements, as well as monitor performance and use of funds by program recipients.

• Work with MN.IT and CPL staff to assist in the maintenance and continued development/improvement of the CPL Online Application.

• Conduct outreach to current and potential community partners for the CPL Program, including program recommendations.

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. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis of one day a week.

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of professional level experience managing grants, including financial analysis to ensure grant budgets and expenditures are set up in accordance with the funding source and expenditures are appropriate. A bachelor's degree in in a Natural Resources related field, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.

Technical knowledge of wildlife management and ecology, including knowledge of wildlife habitat requirements and life histories, vegetation ecology, and the biology of exotic invasive species.

Demonstrated knowledge of grant process management and document handling to effectively manage a large multidimensional grant program.

Ability to implement policies and procedures and explain program regulations necessary for program administration.

Ability to manage and understand multiple governmental contracts.

Communication skills sufficient to establish strong working relationships; work effectively as a team member and carry out work assignments; and possess the ability to identify issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions.

Writing skills sufficient to properly complete contract documents and correspondence, progress reports, and internal memos.

Demonstrated ability to communicate in various public settings.

Organizational and time management skills sufficient to address multiple demands on work time and meet tight timelines and deadlines.

Human relations skills sufficient to promote the program; inform and advise DNR staff and clients; answer questions and explain regulations; mediate and resolve conflict resulting from nonperformance; prepare and promote news items and interact with news media; and represent the Department to diverse groups.

Ability to assume both a helping and monitoring role, balancing the need to maintain the trust and respect of the client with the need to maintain program integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's or advanced degree in a Natural Resources related field, Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or closely related field.

Four (4) years of professional level experience managing grants, including financial analysis to ensure grant budgets and expenditures are set up in accordance with the funding source and expenditures are appropriate.

Experience working with outdoors clubs, statewide wildlife conservation organizations, or governmental agencies.

Experience working in natural resources.

Working knowledge of wildlife habitat development, improvement, and maintenance techniques is desired along with the tools, materials, and costs associated with each technique.

Knowledge of fiscal procedures and grant administration.

Familiarity with pertinent local, state, and federal land development regulations and policies, such as Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment, Outdoor Heritage Fund, MN Noxious Weed Law, Endangered Species Act, etc.

Knowledge of requirements, policies, and procedures of MN Office of Grants 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. 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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.