Community Engagement Support Specialist - Communications Specialist 1

Job Details

Working Title: Community Engagement Support Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 1
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 89733
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes; hybrid
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/28/2025
• Closing Date: 11/03/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services Division / OSD OCO
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes; up to 40%
• Salary Range: $26.43 - $38.55 / hourly; $55,185 - $80,492 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• 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 DNR is seeking to hire one (1) Community Engagement Support Specialist at our central office in Saint Paul, MN.

This position exists to support the planning and execution of the DNR’s events program and community engagement for DNR’s conservation magazine (Minnesota Conservation Volunteer). This includes facilitating communication and coordination between the Office of Communication and Outreach (OCO), DNR regions and divisions, event partners, host communities, schools, and public and private sector organizations connected to the DNR and its mission. The incumbent executes a variety of communications tasks to ensure broad visibility and awareness of the magazine and DNR’s presence at major community events, including creation of social media posts, webpage updates, on-site public interactions, interviews or interview coordination with media, etc. This position also executes routine operational tasks for events to ensure positive experiences for the public.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist in execution of major events for the agency. This includes supporting planning and set up of major events, administrative tasks (e.g., purchasing, scheduling, partner coordination, invoicing, inventory, and more), staffing major events, and breakdown/cleanup and debriefing after events.
• Support outreach and community engagement initiatives on behalf of the agency magazine, Minnesota Conservation Volunteer (MCV), in order to maintain and grow existing programs (including Young Naturalists and the Fish Art Contest), expand awareness and reach, and engage new demographics of subscribers.
• Execute critical communication tasks to support public awareness, engagement, and attendance/participation at assigned events for the agency and the magazine. These tasks can include but are not limited to internal and external webpage content, social media posts, press releases, newsletters, promotional materials, giveaways, media interviews, interview coordination, public speaking, etc.

This position may be eligible to telework up to 50% of the time, 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 occasionally for meetings, training, onboarding, or as needed by supervisor. This position will require reporting to work at special events (e.g. State Fair, communications retreats, outreach and engagement activities etc.)

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of professional level experience in communications, marketing, and outreach.
  • A bachelor's degree in degree in business, education, communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Knowledge of project management best practices; with demonstrated experience in project planning sufficient to plan, create, and implement communications strategies, and organize projects to ensure timely completion and to monitor and report results.
• Knowledge of qualitive and quantitative analysis sufficient to collect and analyze program-related data, program regulations/requirements, and procedural steps to expedite approval of program activities.
• Knowledge of cultural competence sufficient to produce content that reaches new and culturally diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of database management as it applies to data storage, retrieval, and uses to track event logistics and outcomes.
• Communications skills sufficient to communicate through a variety of written forms including emails, press releases, social media, web, and reports with demonstrated knowledge of AP style, to communicate in a clear, accurate and error-free manner sufficient to convey information to internal and external stakeholders, including media, government and non-government partners, local officials, educators, subject-matter experts, and customers.
• Human relations skills sufficient to work in a highly collaborative team environment, and to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and communicate effectively and comfortably with state and agency leadership.
• Ability to lead and motivate volunteers and cross-functional groups without direct authority and often while navigating competing priorities or agendas.
• Ability to use scissor lifts, ladders, detergents/bleaches and other various cleaning and mechanical tools during the execution of events, for example, the MN State Fair.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in degree in business, education, communications, public relations, journalism, or marketing or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of software required to create and edit video, audio, photos, and graphics, including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience staffing events with attendance over 500.
• Experience in and knowledge of fiscal, purchasing, and budgeting processes.
• Experience presenting to, education, and/or engaging with students of different age groups.
• Experience with writing and/or editing content about natural resource issues and outdoor recreation.
• Experience with offline, face-to-face communication with the public about natural resource issues and outdoor recreation.
• Experience with optimizing websites and creating electronic documents, products, video and audio that are accessible to those with disabilities.
• Experience with managing sensitive issues or crisis communication.
• Interpersonal skills and experience working with internal and external stakeholders, including media, government and non-government partners, local officials, educators, subject-matter experts, and customers/readers.

Additional Requirements

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

This position requires occasional in-state, same-day, and overnight travel to DNR events. (e.g. State Fair, communications retreats, outreach and engagement activities etc.) (see job summary)

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).

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 Matt Simmons at Matt.Simmons@state.mn.us or 651-259-5367.

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

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.