Fish and Wildlife Policy and Planning Program Supervisor

Working Title: Policy and Planning Program Supervisor
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Director
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 90319
• 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: 11/25/2025
• Closing Date: 12/17/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Fish and Wildlife / F&W Pol Plng & Acq Programs
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes; occasional
• Salary Range: $38.16 – $54.97 / hourly; $79,678 – $114,777 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 – Middle Management Association / MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive
• 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.

Location: 500 Lafayette Rd. North, St. Paul, MN 55155

Job Summary

The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) Policy and Planning Program Supervisor position at our central office located in Saint Paul, MN.

This position exists to manage people and resources dedicated to a program of statewide fish and wildlife strategic and other planning, policy and decision-making, and agency coordination for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) and Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF).

This position provides leadership and expertise at the agency and division levels necessary to:  a) integrate biological and social information in policies, programs, and decision making; b) support development of division legislative and budget proposals; c) administer project funds for interagency agreements to conduct stakeholder and general public surveys and focus groups; d) coordinate and advise internal (division, agency) and external (other state and federal agencies, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, etc.) clients and stakeholders for OHF projects; e) direct and coordinate Division staff on public engagement for key statewide issues; and f) provide information, education, and direction on public engagement, decision-making, and conflict resolution techniques and approaches for Division staff.

Responsibilities include: 

• Supervise staff of the Policy and Planning Program so that applicable labor agreements and work plans are equitably administered, and employees effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve annual and long-range objectives of the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
• Direct fiscal, policy, and other administrative activities in the Policy and Planning Program and the Outdoor Heritage Fund process so that priority projects and policy development are completed according to desired time schedules. Ensure that financial and other reporting is done correctly and on time. Demonstrate accountability to department personnel, Lessard-Sam Outdoor Heritage Council and staff, and interested stakeholders in order to foster sustained support and interest in planning, policy development and use of Outdoor Heritage Funds (OHF).
• Lead, direct, guide, facilitate, and coordinate work of the FAW Policy and Planning Program and DNR Outdoor Heritage Fund process. Lead the Policy and Planning Program and Outdoor Heritage Fund process in a manner consistent with department and division strategic initiatives.
• To direct and guide the development of proposals, general administration, and implementation of the Outdoor Heritage Fund across the agency so that all essential program-related responsibilities and tasks are carried out and to maximize the benefit of the funding for fish and wildlife habitat management. Support the development of new initiatives to sustain habitat management in a way that maximizes effectiveness and innovation.
• Act as the division’s data practices designee.

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 travel on occasion throughout the state of MN to observe or support staff and partner programs, events, and initiatives, with potentially up to 1-2 nights overnight per month. This position may require in-person participation at up to three (3) national conferences annually, typically held in other states; flights via airlines are typical for national conferences.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) professional experience in researching, analyzing, and/or coordinating projects/programs relating to the laws, regulations, rules, principles, research practices, or procedures of fisheries, wildlife, conservation biology, fish and wildlife human dimensions, or closely related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in fisheries, wildlife conservation biology, public policy or planning with a natural resources emphasis, or a closely related natural resources field.
• Supervisory or leadwork experience sufficient to interview and select staff affirmatively, resolve personnel problems, create and fill positions, reward and discipline employees, and assign, schedule, and direct work.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative analyses sufficient to evaluate program results and to critique the analytical methods and results of other public program professionals.
• Experience in meeting facilitation, group processes, conflict resolution, effective listening, negotiation, and working with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of human dimensions (social components including values, interested and behaviors) of fish and wildlife management including implementation, public engagement, conflict management and negotiation, communications, assessment and reporting.
• Knowledge of human resources policies, and procedures, sufficient to resolve personnel problems, create and fill positions, reward and discipline employees, and assign, schedule, and direct work.
• Knowledge of budget policies, procedures and regulations sufficient to manage and administer budget and to cost effectively deliver resources.
• Written and oral communication skills sufficient to speak in public and work well with the diverse clientele of resource professionals, land managers, academic researchers, members of conservation organizations, government officials, and members of the public.
• Human relations and coaching skills to motivate, provide guidance and training, resolve conflict in a positive manner, generate public support, and achieve cooperation with clients, peers, public, and staff.
• Skills with office technology systems, such as Microsoft Office, or similar programs, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public policy administration sufficient to successfully guide policy and planning efforts and include diverse stakeholder and Tribal interests in decision making.
• Knowledge of the Department, Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Policy Planning Program structure, administrative procedures, forms and policies.
• Knowledge of State of Minnesota and Department of Natural Resources accounting and fiscal procedures, budgeting, expenditure tracking and reporting processes in order to prepare, evaluate, explain and report on fiscal documents and budgets.

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

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 Pat Rivers at pat.rivers@state.mn.us or 651-259-5226.

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.