Federal Conservation Programs Coordinator

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/23/2023
• Closing Date: 06/14/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Board of Water & Soil Resources/ MAPE
• Division/Unit: BWSR / Programs and Policies
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, est 20%
• Salary Range: $33.30 – $49.53 / hourly; $69,530 – $103,418 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
• Hybrid Eligible: Yes
• Supervisor: David Weirens
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

This position exists to provide statewide leadership in planning, program administration, and administrative procedures to Soil and Water Conservation Districts and local partners involved in local implementation in programs of the conservation elements of the Federal Farm Bill and Inflation Reduction Act.

Responsibilities of this position include:

• Function as lead staff for coordinating statewide efforts to implement conservation programs associated with the Federal Farm Bill and Federal Inflation Reduction Act
• Serve as a liaison with key federal agencies that include the Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Services Agency
• Lead agency initiatives, program enhancements, and strategic opportunities
• Lead and coordinate the establishment and revision of agency policies, program guidance, inter-agency agreements, and programs goals/objectives related to soil, water and habitat resource conservation and protection programs
• Represent the Board at public meetings and interagency teams. Present at public meetings and address inquiries concerning agency conservation programs
• Provide technical expertise, assistance and training to other agency staff and program partners

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, wildlife, natural resource management, water and soil conservation, environmental science (with a water/soil science emphasis), or closely related field.
• Two years advanced level professional experience in wildlife, conservation and/or soil and water resource management that includes programmatic oversight and guidance to conservationists and local governmental units.
• Knowledge of water, soil and habitat resource conservation and protection sufficient to serve as an interdisciplinary program expert.
• Budget management skills sufficient to prepare budget requests, allocate program funds, and monitor expenditures/payments.
• Meeting facilitation skills that includes group processes, project management, conflict resolution, effective listening and negotiation sufficient to work with diverse stakeholders, etc.
• Demonstrated leadership ability 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
• High level of organizational skills with an ability to prioritize, coordinate and manage multiple tasks and projects.
• Human relations, coaching, collaborative, persuasion, and team building skills sufficient to effectively work with diverse interests, gain cooperation for new approaches, resolve complex program problems with internal and external partners to accomplish common conservation objectives.
• Written and oral communications sufficient to speak or write for audiences that include decision-makers, government officials, stakeholders, and the public; to write convincing and well-documented reports on resource issues; and to conduct training sessions with division staff or stakeholders.
• Proficient in the use of word processing, presentation, and spreadsheet software such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel including utilizing technologies in virtual meetings
• Requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License: a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of less than 26,000 pounds. This is a basic driver’s license. Operators may also tow vehicles/trailers as long as the gross combination weight does not exceed 26,000 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree biology, wildlife, natural resource management, water and soil conservation, environmental science (with a water/soil science emphasis), or closely related field.
• Direct experience leading efforts to develop or implement conservation programs that are connected to the Federal Farm Bill.
• Knowledge of the structure, organizational procedures and inter-organizational dynamics of local, regional, state, and federal government and their boards, commissions, agencies, and affiliated associations.
• Experience collaborating with managers at a multi-state or national scale.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes and heavy hand tools or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Even though the weights being lifted may only be a negligible amount, a job is in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree or may involve sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

Additional Requirements

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

It is policy of the Board of Water and Soil Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

1. Employment Reference Check
2. SEMA4 Records Check
3. Criminal History Check
4. Education/License Verification

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of the MN Careers page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact David Weirens at david.weirens@state.mn.us or 651-.297.3432.

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 Patricia Sweep at patricia.sweep@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 and indicate what assistance is needed.