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.

Working Title: Regional Information Officer
Job Class: Communications Specialist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/23/2024
• Closing Date: 05/13/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operation Services / OCO Region 4
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $27.58 - $40.49 / hourly - $57,587 - $84,543 annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MAPE / Minnesota Association of Professional Employees
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Telework Eligible: Yes - details in the job summary
• 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.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Regional Information Officer in New Ulm, MN.

This position exists to lead, develop, and execute a proactive regional communication and outreach program with cross-divisional and statewide impact and implications. This position is under the administrative direction of the OSD regional manager with program guidance from the assistant communications director and the regional director. This position coordinates agency-wide, cross-divisional communication initiatives which are regionally based but with statewide impact. This position provides leadership, strategic direction and overall guidance on communications, public relations, and outreach issues for the Regional Management Team (RMT).

This position will train for and serve when assigned as member of the Regional Incident Support Team (RIST) or an assigned Incident Management Team (IMT) as the Public Information Officer so that emergency operations are supported and facilitated in collecting, communicating, and reporting incident information to the appropriate administrative leadership and general public. The position will also serve as the regional communications coordinator in crisis situations as appropriate or assigned.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop internal and external media content for multiple communication platforms and regional, divisional, and agency-wide customers that communicates agency priorities and enhances the end users' experience through informational and public relations efforts.
• Develop and execute regional communication and outreach efforts that have regional and statewide impact and that support DNR’s strategies and initiatives. Lead statewide communications efforts for events and initiatives that originate or take place in the region.
• Serve as the regional communication authority; provide media training and policy guidance for agency staff and the regional director in support of agency communication needs.

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 reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis for meetings, training, onboarding, or as needed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of professional level experience in communications, marketing, journalism, and outreach.
  • A bachelors degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience in lead work sufficient to provide media training and policy guidance and motivate staff.
• Experience in public relations, sufficient to serve as the media spokesperson regarding crisis communications and sensitive issue management.
• Experience with providing communications in a public environment, including working with internal and external stakeholders, government and non-government partners, or local officials.
• Knowledge of journalistic principles, including AP style proficiency sufficient to write compelling media releases.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to address complex communications and public relations challenges.
• Photography, and videography skills sufficient to create and edit social media posts and media visuals.
• Audio production skills sufficient to create radio actualities and assist in podcast creation.
• Organizational and time management skills sufficient to delegate and manage multiple projects.
• Project management and facilitation skills sufficient to manage complex communications planning efforts.
• Ability to write comprehensive, multi-faceted communications plans.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelors degree in communications, marketing, journalism or closely related field.
• Knowledge of natural resources and outdoor recreation issues and management.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and political landscape.
• Knowledge of DNR goals, policies and procedures sufficient to develop communication plans and programs.

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.

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this 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 Scott Roemhildt at scott.roemhildt@state.mn.us or 507-233-1204.

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.

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
• 12 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.