Grants Associate Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Working Title: Grants Coordinator

Job Class: Grants Specialist Coordinator

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID : 95734

• Location : St. Paul

• Telework Eligible : Yes; up to 50%

• Full/Part Time : Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary : Unlimited

• Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers

• Date Posted : 07/28/2026

• Closing Date :08/17/2026

• 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 : Yes

• Salary Range: $34.07 - $50.53 / hourly; $71,138 - $105,506 / annually

• Classified Status : Classified

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

• FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative

• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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.

The Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill a Grants Specialist Coordinator position to work in the division of Parks and Trails in St. Paul, MN. The days of work are Monday through Friday. Hours of work are 8:00am to 4:30pm.

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 pass through grants such as Parks and Trail Legacy Grants. 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 Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), Outdoor Recreation Grant Program, and pass through grants such as Parks and Trail Legacy Grants.

• 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.

• Review and approve reimbursement requests using financial software to track contracts and payments.

• Responds provided information and reports and participate in special projects as assigned.

• Conduct compliance visits with grantees and view the site.

• Prepare grant agreements and amendments.

• Support organizational financial and programmatic reporting.

• Provided information and documentation for state and federal audits, as required.

• Interact daily with local units of government, federal and state partners, external partners, and other divisions within DNR.

• Respond to project-related inquiries from the public.

• Responds, provided information and reports and participate in special projects as assigned.

During the first six (6) months of employment, the selected candidate will be required to work onsite full time to complete training and onboarding. Following this period, the position may be eligible for a flexible work arrangement, including part-time telework with supervisory approval. If telework is approved, a signed telework agreement will be required.

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 grants.

• 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.

• Organizational and problem-solving skills sufficient to handle multiple projects, 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

• Experience administering federal or state outdoor recreation-based grants.

• 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.

• 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; 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

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 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.