What are the responsibilities and job description for the Grants Specialist 3 - Grants Specialist 3 position at Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment?
Working Title: Grants Specialist 3
Job Class: Grants Specialist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
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.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grants Program—a high-visibility, high-impact initiative designed to expand access to funding and support community-based natural resource projects across Minnesota. We are building a mission-driven team to stand up and lead this program from the ground up. If you are energized by designing systems, collaborating across sectors, and ensuring public funds are managed with excellence and integrity, this is a unique opportunity to help shape a new statewide program at its inception.
The Community Grants team partners with the Community Grants Advisory Council, agency leadership, legislators, grantees, and communities statewide to design and administer Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluate and award grants, monitor compliance and performance, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
The DNR is seeking to fill one permanent Grants Specialist 3 position within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS) at our office in Bemidji, MN.
The Grants Specialist Senior serves as a primary point of contact for an assigned caseload of Community Grants applicants and grantees. The position provides technical assistance throughout the grant process, helps applicants and grantees understand program requirements, reviews financial and program information, monitors compliance, processes grant-related documentation and reimbursements, maintains accurate records, and helps resolve issues throughout the grant lifecycle.
The position works with organizations that have different levels of experience navigating state grant requirements. The role also supports lead team members in RFP development, evaluation, monitoring, and compliance activities while providing flexible, proactive support to ensure smooth program launch and implementation.
Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional experience in grant, contract, financial, compliance, project, or program administration. Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform at least three of the following:
This position has no driving duties required.
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
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 Gwendolyn Tweed at Gwendolyn.Tweed@state.mn.us or 651-259-5225.
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.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
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
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.
Job Class: Grants Specialist 3
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 98074
- Location: Bemidji
- Telework Eligible: Yes; Hybrid
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 11/05/2026
- Closing Date: 11/30/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Operations Services / Community Grants Team
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching the new Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) Community Grants Program—a high-visibility, high-impact initiative designed to expand access to funding and support community-based natural resource projects across Minnesota. We are building a mission-driven team to stand up and lead this program from the ground up. If you are energized by designing systems, collaborating across sectors, and ensuring public funds are managed with excellence and integrity, this is a unique opportunity to help shape a new statewide program at its inception.
The Community Grants team partners with the Community Grants Advisory Council, agency leadership, legislators, grantees, and communities statewide to design and administer Requests for Proposals (RFPs), evaluate and award grants, monitor compliance and performance, and ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
The DNR is seeking to fill one permanent Grants Specialist 3 position within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS) at our office in Bemidji, MN.
The Grants Specialist Senior serves as a primary point of contact for an assigned caseload of Community Grants applicants and grantees. The position provides technical assistance throughout the grant process, helps applicants and grantees understand program requirements, reviews financial and program information, monitors compliance, processes grant-related documentation and reimbursements, maintains accurate records, and helps resolve issues throughout the grant lifecycle.
The position works with organizations that have different levels of experience navigating state grant requirements. The role also supports lead team members in RFP development, evaluation, monitoring, and compliance activities while providing flexible, proactive support to ensure smooth program launch and implementation.
Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To
- Perform core aspects of grant administration, including proposal evaluation, grantee communication, payment processing, compliance monitoring, records management, policy adherence, audit support, and grant closeout.
- Provide technical assistance and guidance to an assigned caseload of applicants and grantees throughout the grant lifecycle, including helping organizations understand program processes, requirements, documentation, reimbursements, compliance expectations, changes, reporting, and closeout.
- Support continuous improvement of program systems, documentation, and workflows.
- Provide flexible, proactive support to the grants team to ensure smooth operations and timely progress on evolving program priorities.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of professional experience in grant, contract, financial, compliance, project, or program administration. Experience must demonstrate the ability to perform at least three of the following:
- Review financial, programmatic, contractual, or compliance information for adherence to established requirements.
- Interpret and apply laws, policies, contracts, procedures, or program requirements.
- Provide technical assistance, training, or other support to individuals or organizations navigating complex requirements.
- Manage projects, programs, contracts, grants, or an assigned workload involving deadlines, documentation, and accountability.
- Identify and resolve financial, compliance, programmatic, or administrative issues.
- A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field (another field that provides relevant preparation for the responsibilities of the position) may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
- Knowledge of grant, contract, financial, compliance, or program administration sufficient to review information, apply requirements, maintain accurate documentation, identify issues, and support effective program administration.
- Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to explain complex requirements in plain language, provide technical assistance, respond effectively to questions, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants, grantees, colleagues, and other partners.
- Analytical and critical-thinking skills sufficient to interpret and apply statutes, policies, contracts, procedures, and other requirements; analyze financial and programmatic information; identify issues and alternative solutions; and make sound recommendations.
- Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to manage multiple assignments or an assigned caseload, meet deadlines, maintain accurate documentation, adapt to changing priorities, and resolve issues.
- Ability to provide effective service and technical assistance to applicants and grantees with different levels of experience navigating grant or government program requirements, including the ability to identify communication or procedural barriers and adapt assistance within program requirements.
- Computer skills sufficient to use word processing, spreadsheet, database, communication, and related business applications to maintain records, analyze information, and prepare professional work products.
- A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field (another field that provides relevant preparation for the responsibilities of the position).
- Experience providing technical assistance, training, case management, customer service, or individualized support to people or organizations navigating complex programs or requirements.
- Experience administering grants, contracts, reimbursements, financial compliance, monitoring, audit activities, or other public or nonprofit funding processes.
- Experience working with community-based organizations, nonprofit organizations, local governments, Tribal Nations and Tribal governments, or other organizations/entities with differing levels of experience navigating government programs.
- Ability to communicate verbally in a language in addition to English that is used by communities served by the program, at a level sufficient to provide applicant and grantee technical assistance and explain program processes, requirements, and routine grant guidance.
- Experience identifying and implementing improvements to administrative processes, guidance, forms, workflows, or customer service.
- Experience with environmental, natural-resource, community-development, or other publicly funded programs.
This position has no driving duties required.
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
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 Gwendolyn Tweed at Gwendolyn.Tweed@state.mn.us or 651-259-5225.
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.
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
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
- 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)
- 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
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.
Salary : $68,841 - $101,476