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Parks and Trails Principal Planner
MN Department of Natural Resources - Division of Parks and Trails
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Parks and Trails Principal Planner

MN Department of Natural Resources - Division of Parks and Trails

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Details
Posted:
December 19, 2025
Location:
St. Paul, Minnesota
Salary:
$67,651 - $99,723 / annually
Level:
Experienced
Sector:
Recreation
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
Sector
Recreation

Job Summary

The Division of Parks and Trails is seeking to fill one (1) Planner Principal State position located in St. Paul, MN. The work hours will be Monday - Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

This position exists to provide statewide planning services for the Division of Parks and Trails, including developing and implementing strategic and system plans and planning processes, leading master and management planning efforts for units within the state parks and trails system, establishing new planning processes, and improving existing planning processes; b) provide guidance on the division’s research and survey agenda and coordinate and implement research projects, and c) manage priority projects as assigned by the Policy and Planning Supervisor and supported by the Division Leadership Team.

Responsibilities include:

  • Planning Services: Provide statewide planning services for the Division of Parks and Trails, including developing and implementing strategic and system plans and planning processes, leading master and management planning efforts for units within the state parks and trails system, establishing new planning processes, and improving existing planning processes.
  • Survey, Research Coordination and Analysis: Coordinate the division’s survey and research agenda, as established by the Division Leadership Team, the Policy and Planning Supervisor, and other planning staff as needed to inform strategic planning and decision making and ensure that work is relevant and meets stakeholder and public needs.
  • Project Management: Manage priority projects as assigned by the Policy and Planning Supervisor and supported by the Division Leadership Team.
  • Other Planning Duties as Assigned: Perform other duties, as directed, in order to fulfill the Department’s and Division’s mission and mandates and to advance Minnesota’s outdoor recreation agenda.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and may be eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete a telework agreement. This position will require reporting to the primary work location on an occasional basis.



Minimum Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's or advanced degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resources management, environmental studies,
    landscape architecture, public administration or policy, social or natural sciences, or a closely related degree.

AND

  • Three (3) years of professional level experience in planning, research, and project management, which includes coordinating
    large programs or research projects in outdoor recreation, natural resources/environmental management, urban/regional
    planning, land use or related field.

To be considered, applicants must also demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

  • Knowledge of planning principles and practices, project management, and public involvement strategies.
  • Ability to design and manage complex planning processes.
  • Demonstrated interpersonal skills and public relations skills sufficient to effectively interact with internal and external customers, facilitate and lead meetings, influence future direction, deliver challenging messages/information, resolve disagreements, and defuse potentially volatile situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to create and edit clear and professional written materials, such as letters, reports, plans, and presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to organize and manage complex collaborative projects to ensure that deadlines and procedural requirements are met, and projects are completed successfully.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct research and knowledge of research and survey design, statistical analysis methods, and data process software.
  • Demonstrated ability of analytical and data analysis skills to review and track technical information, make recommendations, and clearly communicate results.
  • Computer skill sufficient in word processing, spreadsheets, electronic communications, presentation software, survey software (such as Qualtrics), and document management (electronic and paper).

Preferred Qualifications

  • Graduate degree in planning, outdoor recreation, natural resources management, environmental studies, landscape architecture, public administration or policy, the social or natural sciences or closely related degree.
  • Working knowledge of state and federal recreation statutes, laws, rules, strategic plans and programs.
  • Experience working in outdoor recreation research.
  • Experience managing public intercept surveys or research projects that included public surveys.
  • Experience managing trail or vehicle counters.
  • Technical skills in geographic information systems (e.g., ArcMap or ArcGIS) sufficient to create maps and in database management.
  • Experience and/or certifications in continuous improvement.
  • Certifications in project management or planning (e.g., AICP).

NOTES:

Additional Salary Information: 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.
Internal Number: 90896
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