Grants Specialist Coordinator - Land and Water Conservation Fund

Working Title: Grants Specialist Coordinator - LWCF

Job Class: Grants Specialist Coordinator

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

This position was previously announced on 04/13/2023. If you already applied for this job, you do not need to reapply.

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 07/08/2023

• Closing Date : 07/21/2023

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Department of Natural Resources

• Division/Unit : DNR Parks & Trails Central Office

• Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift

• Days of Work : Monday - Friday

• Travel Required : Occasional; site visits and meetings

• Salary Range: $27.93 - $41.24 / hourly; $58,317 - $86,109 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

• Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative

• Telework Eligible : Yes

• Re-Posting : Yes

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (~~~/) : Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you'll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill a Grants Specialist Coordinator position to work in the division of Parks and Trails. This position exists to manage programs, activities and financial oversight of the Parks and Trails Division's Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, and Natural and Scenic Area Grant Program. This position provides leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of several financial assistance programs and policies aimed at park and 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 grant/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 Stateside LWCF and Federal LWCF Programs and to coordinate, apply and manage Minnesota projects for the National Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program (ORLP).

• Administer state grants associated with the state Outdoor Recreation and the Natural and Scenic Area Grant Programs to ensure grantees are in compliance with program requirements and are reimbursed properly for project costs.

• Respond, provide information and reports, and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Conduct compliance visits with grantees and view the site.

This position currently has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. This position is required to report to the primary work location in St. Paul once per week for meetings. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement.

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 planning grants programs.

• 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.

• Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.

• 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

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.

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

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at ~~~ or email ~~~ . Please indicate what assistance is needed.