Deputy Director - NR Asst Division Director

Working Title: Deputy Director

Job Class: Natural Resources Assistant Division Director

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 93956
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 05/02/2026
• Closing Date: 05/22/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $51.00 - $73.03 / hourly; $106,488 - $152,486 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220- Managerial
• 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 Deputy Director functions with the Director to provide oversight of Ecological & Water Resources and serves as the Division's Operations Manager.

Job duties include:

• Direct, develop, and manage the policies, programs, and priorities of the division as a member of the Division Leadership Team (DLT) and other statewide teams and committees.
• Oversee management of regional and programmatic operations of the Division and ensure effective integration of divisional programs with regional/field operations to meet department and division goals.
• Ensure effective communication and coordination among regional and central office Ecological & Water Resources staff and other DNR disciplines.
• Lead division or agency representation on specific, complex, high priority and high profile issues or projects.
• Prevent and resolve interdisciplinary conflicts by being a focal point for conflict management, dispute resolution, and intra-agency coordination.
• Participate in the management of strategic and operational planning processes.
• Ensure division agreement and understanding of linkages between the regional planning program and program planning and budgeting efforts.
• Assist with the management of legislative processes for policy legislation, capital bonding and operational budgets.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management, or closely related field.
• Three years of managerial or advanced supervisory experience directing and supervising natural resources management programs and staff.
• Academic knowledge and advanced professional experience in the natural resources or water resource management field.
• Demonstrated management and/or leadership skills and organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, develop, and engage staff.
• Knowledge of natural resources systems, especially the connectivity between land and water.
• Knowledge of different cultural and community groups sufficient to administer the programmatic area and ensure stakeholders understand the requirements and expectations of a given program.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work in a team environment by incorporation of multidisciplinary interests into decisions and actions.
• Demonstrated experience and success in negotiation, conflict resolution and consensus building with diverse groups in order to solve difficult and sensitive problems.
• Possess interpersonal, administrative, and human relations skills.
• Communication skills to effectively communicate complex information in varied settings to a wide variety of audiences.
• Knowledge of the legislative process and functions as evidenced by meeting and communicating directly with legislators, developing draft policy and/or fiscal legislation, participating in the development of legislative strategies or providing testimony at legislative hearings.
• Demonstrated experience in creating and managing complex, multiple-account budgets.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in natural resources sciences such as: ecological resources, water resources, natural resource management, or closely related field.
• Five years or more of progressively responsible management or supervisory experience in the areas of ecological, natural, or water resource management.
• Experience implementing regulatory programs in the areas of ecological, natural resource, or water resource management.
• Experience with Minnesota’s executive branch budget development and fiscal management process and requirements.
• Expertise in developing and implementing communications strategies for high profile programs and policies.
• Demonstrated skill and experience working with diverse stakeholders (internal and external) on high profile, controversial issues.
• Demonstrated skill and ability to foster cooperation and coordination among a multidisciplinary workforce spread across a broad geography.

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

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Melissa Kuskie at [email protected] or 651-296-6157.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. 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 Jordan Krueger at [email protected].

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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.