Lands and Realty Program Consultant - NR Prog Consultant

At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the state's natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Job Details

Working Title: Lands and Realty Program Consultant
Job Class: Natural Resources Program Consultant
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 85512
• Location: Rochester, St. Paul, Brainerd, Bemidji, or Grand Rapids
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/16/2025
• Closing Date: 05/06/2025
• 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, 1 or 2 days per month
• Salary Range: $35.43 - $52.53 / hourly; $73,977 - $109,682 / annually
• 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 division of Forestry is hiring a Lands and Realty Program Consultant (NR Program Consultant) at one of the following locations: Saint Paul, Brainerd, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, or Rochester, MN.The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.

The Lands and Realty Program Consultant position provides strategic planning, development, and coordination of the Division of Forestry Lands Program. The incumbent will oversee and direct procedures for major land transactions, including acquisitions, sales, exchanges, and state forest boundary alignments; provide technical and budgetary guidance on land surveys, easements, leases, and state land trespasses; and ensure state land assets are managed efficiently and effectively. The incumbent consults with forestry staff on all aspects of land administration, ensuring compliance with state statutes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. The incumbent will lead resolution on priority land sales, acquisitions, exchanges, and trespasses; facilitate communication with Division of Lands and Minerals attorneys and Forestry leadership when legal counsel is required; monitor program relevant legislative proposals; and serve as a division liaison with agencies, outside partners, and other divisions to advance department land asset management goals.

Major responsibilities include:

• Oversee and lead the Lands Program team. Develop and implement annual and long-range strategic work plans to guide program operations.
• Develop, coordinate, administer, and monitor the Lands Program budget so that land administration effectively operates within current funding levels. Ensure all lands transaction invoices are reviewed and processed monthly.
• Develop, coordinate, administer, and monitor major land sales, acquisitions, exchanges, leases, permits and licenses, effectively to achieve timely resolutions that meet division objectives and stakeholder interests.
• Serve as liaison and technical expert for School Trust Land administration.
• Serve as liaison and Forestry lands technical expert to other divisions, agencies and outside groups involved in state forest land and real estate transactions so that division interests are represented.
• Serve on the division legislative team. Review and track any of lands and realty related legislative bills, lead development of any Forestry lands legislation such as proposed additions to the DNR Lands Bill.

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 a telework agreement.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Real Estate, Real Estate Law, or a closely related field of academic study; or Bachelor's degree of in Natural Resources Management; or Bachelor of Science degree Forest Science/Management .
• Two years professional experience administering a regional or statewide real estate land management program that includes responsibility for coordination of program planning, budget planning, project implementation and evaluation of program activities (e.g., Realty Specialist Senior, Realty Program Coordinator, NR Forestry Regional Specialist, or NR Forestry Program Coordinator).
• Human relation skills sufficient to direct, administer and lead personnel working in programs. Persuasion and team building skills sufficient to effectively work with diverse interests; gain cooperation for new approaches/ideas; and explain/resolve complex program problems to accomplish common land management objectives.
• Leadership skills to motivate and guide self and other staff to work effectively with stakeholders through the application of a wide range of organizational, procedural, technical, analytical, and interpersonal skills, and ability to operate independently as well as in a team environment to prioritize work and achieve agreed upon milestones and deliverables.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate complex lands policy and procedures to forest and natural resource professions and the public.
• Ability to prepare and edit technical reports and management plans and research and interpretation of technical information sufficient to solve problems, educate others and increase forestry staff expertise in lands and real estate subject matter. This includes customizing information to match the audience's level of understanding, using clear and accessible language, and employing visual aids to enhance comprehension.
• Ability to integrate information from statutes and rules, historical data, and past experiences sufficient to devise risk-rating systems, evaluation criteria, and management guidelines for land acquisitions, sales, and exchanges.
• Demonstrated experience in meeting facilitation, project management, group processes, conflict resolution, and effective listening; negotiation skills sufficient to work with diverse groups and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to solve unusual or difficult problems, advise program staff and supervisors, determine future program directions, and evaluate program work.
• Demonstrated ability in creating and managing a budget, ensuring accurate allocation of funding resources and adherence to spending targets.
• Computer and software skills sufficient for preparing reports and tracking multiple regional and statewide projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Natural Resource Management or a closely related field of academic study.
• Four years professional experience administering a regional or statewide land management or real estate program that includes responsibility for coordination of program planning, budget planning, project implementation and evaluation of program activities (e.g., Realty Program Coordinator, Real Estate Specialist, or NR Forestry Program Coordinator).
• Knowledge of State of Minnesota statutes and rules pertaining to forest land and natural resource management; knowledge of state and federal policies and regulations for land administration.
• Knowledge of department and division programs, policies, and procedures sufficient to make program decisions that are compatible and integrated with other policies and programs in the division and department.
• Demonstrated experience with a land records management database sufficient to perform queries, update land records, and create/prepare reports.
• Demonstrated experience with ArcGIS preparing and creating maps.
• Demonstrated experience reviewing, approving, and tracking lands and realty financial transactions.
• Current holder of a "Real Estate Sales or Appraisal License."
• Completion of a Leadership Development Program covering strategic thinking, effective communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, team dynamics, and stakeholder engagement.

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

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 Paul Dubuque at paul.dubuque@state.mn.us or 651-259-5294 .

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.