Careers

Ohiopyle State Park, PA

Job Opportunity - Minnesota - Off-Highway Vehicle Principal Planner

Sep 15, 2021

Job ID: 48736 - Off-Highway Vehicle Principal Planner- Planner Principal State

Location: St. Paul
Full/Part Time: Full-Time Regular/Tempory: Unlimited

Job Class: Planner Principal State
Working Title: Off-Highway Vehicle Principal Planner

  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

  • Date Posted: 09/10/2021

  • Closing Date: 10/07/2021

  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources

  • Division/Unit: Parks and Trails / Research Planning and Evaluation

  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift

  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday

  • Travel Required: Yes, Occasionally as needed

  • Salary Range: $27.56 - $40.61/hourly; $57,545 - $84,793/annually

  • Classified Status: Classified

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

  • FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative

  • Connect 700 Program Eligible: Yes

    Job Summary

    The Division of Parks & Trails is currently seeking a full-time OHV principal planner to lead statewide off-highway vehicle (OHV) planning processes that advance development and implementation of state forest trail revisions. This position will be expected to provide planning expertise on OHV-related and outdoor recreation issues. The position will require some in-state travel for Phase 2 forest trail planning.

    Duties include developing and implementing planning processes that meet administrative and statutory requirements, updating/revising planning guidance and direction documents and using planning principles for:

• Forest Trail Planning: Conduct interdisciplinary and public review of recreational trail systems in state forests and recommend designations of new trails and special management areas to improve recreational trail systems and opportunities. Create new planning processes and engage key stakeholders in the planning process, keeping them apprised of progress, timelines, decision points, constraints, deadlines and administrative options. Facilitate team decision-making based on technical analysis; help distill issues, options, alternatives and potential implications of planning decisions. Compile accurate administrative records; ensure compliance with all statutory public notice and review requirements. Provide process assessments and improvements where needed.

OHV Planning Coordination: Engage stakeholders and coordinate closely with agency program and field staff on OHV-related planning activities. Advance a systems plan approach as it relates to OHV use within the broader system of state forest recreation and trails. Ensure consistency with the Parks and Trails System Plan as it relates to OHV use within the state system.

  • Environmental Review: Ensure OHV-related projects comply with environmental review requirements under the Minnesota Environmental Policy Act. Conduct preliminary environmental review need determinations for OHV related projects and determine whether assessment by the Environmental Review Unit is needed; determine appropriate type and level of review; respond to public comments and data practices and other requests; assist the division in interpretation and application of state rules for recreational developments and provide summary data and training in application of the rules; plan, design, and conduct public participation activities to engage stakeholders at key points in the process.

  • Other Planning Duties as Assigned: Coordinate projects, preparation of issue papers, research reports, executive briefings, rules and regulations, policy positions, feasibility studies, technical manuals and press releases on recreation related projects and topics.

    This position is currently a telework position which is subject to change.

    Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of advanced professional planning and/or project management experience coordinating large programs or projects in outdoor recreation, natural resources/environmental management, land-use, urban/regional planning, or public affairs/administration, or related field.

◦ OR a bachelor's degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resource/environmental management, urban/regional planning, social science, or public affairs/administration, or related field AND 2 years of experience noted above.

  • Thorough knowledge of planning principles and practices, project management, and public involvement strategies.

  • Experience designing and managing complex planning processes.

  • Highly developed interpersonal/public relations, written and oral communication skills, and experience in group process facilitation sufficient to:

    • Explain complex concepts succinctly and synthesize into logical, clearly understood information;

    • Develop and maintain effective working relationships with diverse groups;

    • Develop partnerships with communities and stakeholder groups;

◦ Write and edit materials from multiple sources to prepare reports and make presentations to a broad range of audiences;

  • Lead discussions and facilitate small groups;

  • Manage meetings;

  • Manage conflict, including in public or stakeholder relations situations; and

  • Build/motivate successful work teams, often across DNR topic areas.

• Organizational skills and ability to direct and manage complex collaborative projects and ensure that process deadlines and procedural requirements are met and projects are successfully completed.

High level of analytical and data analysis skills to review and track technical information, make recommendations, and clearly communicate results.

  • Computer skill in word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications, presentation software, and document management (electronic and paper).

    Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resources, public administration, urban/regional planning, social science with focus on human dimensions of natural resources, or related field.

  • Experience working on off-highway vehicle (OHV) related topics or with OHV-related groups.

  • Experience working in outdoor recreation.

  • Experience working on natural resources issues.

  • Knowledge of state, federal, and/or local government recreation laws, rules, policies, planning activities, and programs sufficient to evaluate and interpret impact, and to consider them in the context of the department's planning activities.

  • Knowledge of content requirements for environmental review documents.

  • Technical skills in geographic information systems (GIS software) sufficient to create maps and in database

    management.

  • Experience managing interdisciplinary teams.

  • Experience and/or certifications in continuous improvement.

  • Experience and/or certifications in project management.

    Physical Requirements

    Very Light Work - occasionally moving or transporting such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves maintaining a stationary position for long periods of time, a certain amount of moving is often necessary in carrying out job duties.

    Additional Requirements

    This position requires successful completion of the following:

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

  • Employment Reference Check

  • SEMA4 Records Check

  • Criminal History Check

    Why Work For Us

    Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people.

    We are proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. This means that our employees are respectful to one another and to our customers. We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency's mission.

    GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and 11 paid holidays each year.

    How to Apply

    Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.

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

    If you are a Connect 700 applicant, please submit your certificate to Becky Keller at becky.keller@state.mn.us by the job posting close date.

    Contact

    If you have questions about the position, contact Andrew Korsberg at andrew.korsberg@state. mn.us or 612-834-7265.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Minnesota is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employer. We are committed to providing culturally responsive services to all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations 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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance you need.