The Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time permanent Natural Resources Program Coordinator position located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This position exists to coordinate and implement the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) statutory requirements and internal policies related to mitigation and recovery planning efforts for endangered & threatened species (T&E species) in the State of Minnesota. The mitigation efforts that this position will be responsible for are focused on administering a mitigation fund for T&E species, developing projects and partnerships to contribute to the conservation of T&E species using the mitigation fund, and overseeing the successful completion of mitigation projects (which includes recovery planning). The recovery planning efforts that this position will be responsible for includes developing recovery plans for high priority taxa/species, developing recovery plan implementation projects using mitigation and other funding sources, and overseeing the successful completion of these recovery plans and projects. These two focus areas of mitigation and recovery planning efforts will require regular coordination with the T&E species program to ensure efforts are in alignment with program goals. 

Responsibilities include:

• Administer the T&E species mitigation fund by tracking and coordinating mitigation receipts and spending..
• Establish and implement a portfolio project management approach to track and support mitigation funded projects and recovery plans.
• Coordinate the development of recovery plans for a prioritized set of T&E species.
• Develop and oversee recovery projects using mitigation and other funding sources.

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. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, botany, zoology, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in managing and/or implementing rare species conservation projects (including research, habitat management, habitat restoration, developing guidance for rare species, recovery planning, etc.)
• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to state and federally protected species, including Minnesota’s statutes and rules related to protected species. 
• Project management and team coordination skills.
• Human relations skills, including listening, facilitation, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Financial management skills sufficient to develop and interpret financial reports and track multiple financial accounts simultaneously.
• Experience preparing budgets, work plans, and other planning and fiscal documents.
• Writing and communication skills sufficient to translate scientific findings and technical information for a variety of audiences
• Skills in the use of personal computers, specifically in the use of word processing, spreadsheets, database, and mapping software.
• Ability to prioritize work, make work assignments, manage work schedules and monitor progress to ensure proper completion of tasks.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, natural resources, botany, zoology, or a closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience managing a portfolio of multiple projects/complex tasks at a time. 
• Experience in data management and data governance.
• Experience with using Minnesota's Natural Heritage Inventory System (or similar).
• Experience in writing technical reports for state and federal agencies.
• Knowledge of conservation genetics principles.
• Experience with rare species recovery planning.
• Knowledge of habitat management practices.
• Certification or training in project management.
• Experience in fiscal oversight and reporting for a project.