Parks & Trails Technician - Tech Parks & Trails

Job Class: Natural Resources Technician Parks & Trails

Working Title: Parks & Trails Technician

The Department of Natural Resources is currently seeking to fill one (1) permanent, full-time Natural Resources Technician Parks and Trails position. The days of work are Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. This position acts as a lead worker providing technical work in implementing programs, activities, policies and rules among Minnesota's state parks and trails systems, including promoting effective land acquisition, land management and development and rehabilitation projects.

• Job
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 01/15/2026
• Closing Date: 02/04/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Parks and Trails
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift, 7 a.m.
  
  - 5:30 p.m.
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Thursday
• Travel Required:
  
  Occasional overnight meetings, 1-2 times per year
• Salary Range: $24.41 - $34.24 / hourly; $50,968 - $71,493 / annually
• Classified Status:
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• FLSA Status:
  Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities:
  Yes
• Location:
  
  Elysian
• Telework Eligible:
  No
• Work Area:
  Elysian Area

• Assist in the management and implementation of outdoor recreation programs in Parks and Trails District 9, Area 4C which includes:
  Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Leseur, Nicollet and Waseca counties.
• Provide technical assistance in the management and operations of Area 4C - Elysian Office.
• Assist with the creation of work plans and directs the activities of field staff, seasonal staff, volunteers and/or crews and contractors.
• Implement operations and development, maintenance, rehabilitation programs.
• Analyze data, prepare reports, provide GIS support, and provide administrative support to the division.
• Implement visitor and public relations to diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Enforce division rules and state laws, respond to emergencies, and implement resource management programs.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

Position requires a Class A license, passing a pre‑employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise, qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.

• An Associate’s Degree in Natural Resource Recreation Management or closely related area (e.g. Forestry with a recreation emphasis;
  Parks and Recreation with a resource management emphasis;
  Recreation and Leisure Studies with a resource emphasis; Recreation Resource Management; Environmental Studies).
• OR two years (24 months) experience as a Laborer Trades and Equipment, General Laborer, Building and Grounds Worker, Parks Worker or other classification performing similar work which will include working knowledge of construction techniques and materials; landscaping methods and materials; safe equipment operation; and directing the work of others.

• Work experience providing work direction to staff, volunteers or other supplemental work groups. TO RECEIVE CREDIT, APPLICANT RESUMES MUST REFLECT past experience with responsibilities for establishing work priorities, scheduling work assignments, and instructing employees on how to complete their work tasks.
• Public contact experience.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to create and maintain a positive work environment for staff and positive experience for park visitors.
• Conflict resolution skills sufficient to deal effectively with staff and park visitors when issues arise.
• Skill in word processing sufficient to create professional looking documents with proper grammar and punctuation and spreadsheet skills sufficient to track and report data.
• Communications skills sufficient to provide clear instruction, gather information and questions, and provide appropriate responses.
• Ability to operate tractors, trucks, trailers, mowers, chain saws, etc.
• Ability to acquire Advanced Chainsaw Certification.
• Current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one…