Mississippi River Coordinator: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The Mississippi River Coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is responsible for coordinating activities in the Mississippi River basin, leading the Mississippi River Team, and engaging with multi-agency partners across several states. The role involves communication, advocacy for ecosystem management, and developing strategies for river resource planning. Candidates need experience in project management and a relevant degree. The position is based in Lake City, MN, and may require travel.
About the position

The Mississippi River Coordinator position at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is a pivotal role that involves coordinating and administering interdisciplinary activities in the Mississippi River basin, specifically from Upper St. Anthony Falls to the Iowa border. This position is responsible for leading the multi-division Mississippi River Team (MRT) and supporting the Mississippi River Steering Team (MRST). As the representative for the state of Minnesota and the DNR, the coordinator engages with various multi-agency working groups and partnership teams across the Upper Mississippi River (UMR) basin states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri. The incumbent plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and coordination among inter-agency partners, thereby facilitating collaborative efforts in managing the river's resources. In addition to administrative duties, the Mississippi River Coordinator serves as a technical expert, providing insights and evaluations on UMR programs and policies. This role requires the incumbent to engage with legislative committees and public forums, advocating for the Mississippi River ecosystem's restoration and management. The coordinator is tasked with developing integrated strategies and guidance for multi-agency UMR programs, ensuring that all activities align with the overarching goals of river management and conservation. The position also involves directing the activities of staff at various levels, ensuring that UMR research and management initiatives are effectively executed. The work environment is dynamic, requiring the coordinator to navigate complex inter-agency relationships and foster public cooperation regarding Mississippi River ecosystem initiatives. The position may involve travel for meetings and collaborations, emphasizing the importance of building partnerships that extend beyond state lines. Overall, this role is integral to the DNR's mission of promoting sustainable management of Minnesota's natural resources, particularly within the context of the Mississippi River.

Responsibilities
• Lead and coordinate DNR's Mississippi River Team (MRT) and support DNR's Mississippi River Steering Team (MRST).
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• Represent the State and DNR on a variety of Mississippi River related interagency partnership committees, teams, and special projects.
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• Coordinate internal communication, decision-making, and river resource planning processes with the MRT, MRST, Division and Regional Leadership, and Commissioner's Office.
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• Review and influence Federal legislative policy related to Mississippi River ecosystem restoration and management.
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• Facilitate public integration and cooperation related to Mississippi River ecosystem restoration and management.

Requirements
• Four (4) years of project management, planner, program administration, operations management, or closely related experience including managing complex projects and coordinating with multiple parties.
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• A bachelor's degree in business management, planning, natural resources, or a closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
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• Experience in leadwork sufficient to motivate, collaborate, and develop others, and achieve organizational goals or objectives.
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• Knowledge of river and wetland related habitat, recreation, land use, policy, and economic issues affecting the Mississippi River.
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• Qualitative and quantitative analysis skills sufficient to evaluate program results and critique the analytical methods of other public program professionals.
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• Organization skills sufficient to manage projects, coordinate complicated program initiatives, plan for contingencies, establish work agreements and priorities, and meet established timetables, quality standards and complete established objectives.
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• Human relations skills sufficient to understand, develop, persuade, motivate, collaborate with and lead others; demonstrate political astuteness to support Mississippi River activities; and build relationships with stakeholders and networks with colleagues.
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• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to manage conflicts and partnerships to achieve goals and work collaboratively with inter-agency partners to find solutions that benefit all members.
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• Knowledge of policy and planning strategies in order to design and develop policy guidelines and standards.
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• Communication skills sufficient to accurately and effectively transmit information through verbal and written formats, perform public speaking engagements, and communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse customers and partners.

Nice-to-haves
• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, business management, or a related field.
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• Knowledge of budget and funding processes and how to optimize resource allocation within constraints.
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• Negotiation skills sufficient to negotiate issue outcomes with diplomacy and negotiate for human and financial resources.
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• Social science knowledge of relationships between social and economic activities and natural resource management; Federal, Tribal, and State laws, politics, and organizational structures; and non-government partners and stakeholders.
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• Skills with office technology systems, such as MS Office, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources.
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• Knowledge of DNR goals, policies, and guidelines.
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• Knowledge of State and Federal programs and plans specifically related to the Upper Mississippi River.

Benefits
• Paid vacation and sick leave
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• 12 paid holidays each year
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• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
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• Fertility care, including IVF
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• Diabetes care
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• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
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• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
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• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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• Training, classes, and professional development
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program)
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• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support