Grants Specialist Coordinator

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: Grants Specialist Coordinator
Job Class: Grants Specialist Coordinator
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 93898
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes / Hybird 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/07/2026
• Closing Date: 05/27/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources 
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks & Trails Central Office
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $33.48 - $49.66 / hourly; $69,906 - $103,690 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill a Grants Specialist Coordinator position to work in the division of Parks and Trails in St. Paul, MN. The days of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are 8:00am to 4:30pm. 

This position exists to manage programs, activities, and financial oversight of the Parks and Trails Division’s Federal Recreational Trail, Local Trail Connections and Regional Trail Grant programs. This position provides leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of several financial assistance programs and policies aimed at trail projects for long-term benefits to the people of Minnesota. The position also plans and coordinates a grant delivery system and implements the system in a manner consistent with applicable state and federal laws and requirements from the Department of Administration’s Office of Grants Management. Primary responsibilities include financial management and administration, implementing program policies and procedures, and providing high levels of customer service and technical assistance for internal and external customers.

Responsibilities include:

• Establish, implement, carry out, and manage the Federal Recreational Trail Program and to coordinate, apply and manage the coordination with the Federal Highway Administration Program.  
• Administer state grants associated with local trail connections and regional trail grant programs to ensure grantees are in compliance with program requirements and are reimbursed properly for project costs. 
• Review and approve reimbursement requests using financial software to track contracts and payments.
• Responds provided information and reports and participate in special projects as assigned.
• Conduct compliance visits with grantees and view the site.
• Prepare grant agreements and amendments.
• Support organizational financial and programmatic reporting.
• Provided information and documentation for state and federal audits, as required.
• Interact daily with local units of government, federal and state partners, external partners, and other divisions within DNR.
• Respond to project-related inquiries from the public.
• Responds, provided information and reports and participate in special projects as assigned.
• Commit to DNR’s cultures of Safety and Respect

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. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on a regular basis. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of professional experience administering grant programs.  A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or related field may substitute for one year of experience. 
• Demonstrated experience in project management.
• Knowledge in grants and financial management, procedures and techniques and the applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulations sufficient to administer statewide grants. 
• Ability to evaluate information and data sufficient to develop policy and program administration recommendations, identify alternative solutions to complex issues and convey to a diverse audience. 
• Ability to analyze fiscal reports for adherence and conformance to federal laws, state statues and departmental policies.  
• Ability to read, comprehend, and analyze guidelines, statutes, contract agreements, amendments, and work programs in order to interpret and apply these to individual circumstance or situations.
• Demonstrated communication skills (written and oral) sufficient to establish strong working relationships with Agency leadership, as well as Agency staff, other state agencies, grantees, and contractors; work effectively as a team member, and carry out work assignments; delivering information to ensure program compliance with policies and regulations, and possess the ability to identify issues, resolve disputes, and recommend solutions.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills and the ability to handle multiple projects, and work within tight deadlines and adapt to changes that arise.
• Knowledge and experience in creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive working environment.
• Knowledge and experience reviewing, approving, and managing grant budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state and federal policies and procedures for the administration of grants.
• Master's degree in public policy, non-profit administration, natural resources, or a related field.
• Proficiency with financial, accounting, and grant software.
• Knowledge of departmental structure, policies, and procedures.
• Experience with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and internal control principles such as monitoring, training, and separation of duties.
• Knowledge and use of various software for tracking, monitoring, and storing information, maps and land restrictions.

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver’s license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency.

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