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Grants Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 92177
  • Location: St. Paul; Bemidji
  • Telework Eligible: Yes; Hybrid
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 03/03/2026
  • Closing Date: 03/30/2026
  • 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: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / 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 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 two (2) permanent Grant Specialist Senior positions within the Office of Management and Budget Services (OMBS) at our central office in Saint Paul, MN and our office in Bemidji MN. Three complementary Team Coordinator positions on the same Community Grants team are also open; candidates interested in lead-level responsibilities focused on RFP design, monitoring, compliance, and program coordination are encouraged to review that posting as well. (Job ID 92073)

This position supports the effective administration of the ENRTF Community Grants Program by managing core grant processes, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with policies and procedures. The incumbent plays a key role in supporting applicants and grantees from proposal through closeout, maintaining accurate records, processing reimbursements, and contributing to transparent and accountable program operations. 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 applicants and grantees to ensure clarity of requirements and successful project implementation.
  • 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.

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 at least 50% of the time. 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Two (2) years of professional experience administering grant programs, overseeing grant compliance, or providing training and assistance on grantmaking policies. Prior experience must demonstrate the ability to analyze financial data for adherence and conformance to relevant statutes and departmental policies or implement grantmaking policy and procedure changes.
    • A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
  • Knowledge of grants procedures and techniques and the applicable state laws, rules, and regulations sufficient to administer statewide planning grants programs.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective working relationships and clearly convey information in support of program goals and compliance requirements. 
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret and apply statutes, guidelines, contracts, and policies; evaluate data and complex information; identify issues and alternative solutions; resolve disputes; and develop and communicate sound policy and program administration recommendations.
  • Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, work within tight deadlines, and adapt to changes that arise.
  • Ability to apply diversity, equity, and inclusion principles to grantmaking in order to identify and reduce barriers to organizations and communities that have been traditionally underserved.
  • Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Office or similar programs sufficient to create and interpret work products of advanced professional staff, reports, spreadsheets, financial analyses, databases, and correspondence.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • A bachelor's degree in Grants Administration, Business Administration, Public Policy/ Administration, Accounting, Finance, Natural Resources, or a related field.
  • Knowledge of the functions, programs, operations, structure and interrelationships of a major statewide natural resource management organization.
  • Experience in one or more of these areas:
    • Designing and/or providing training to diverse audiences with a variety of levels of expertise.
    • Developing and/or revising policies, procedures, or program guidance.
    • Developing and administering grant request for proposal and evaluations.
    • Analyzing, drafting, and executing grant or professional/technical contracts.
    • Continuous improvement processes, root cause analysis and project management.
    • Community-based organizations and equity in grantmaking.
    • Capital investment or capital improvement policies and procedures.

 

 

Additional Requirements

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

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 Katherine Sherman-Hoehn at katherine.sherman-hoehn@state.mn.us or 651-259-5533.

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.