Volunteer Engagement Specialist - State Program Admin

Volunteer Engagement Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job : 91424
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Closing Date: 2/04/2026
• Salary Range: $23.98 - $34.69 / hourly; $50,070 - $72,432 / annually
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt

The Volunteer Engagement Specialist coordinates, recruits, and retains volunteers for community science, wildlife education, and outreach programs. The role works with program coordinators to ensure a positive volunteer experience from recruitment and onboarding through recognition and reporting.

• Coordinate volunteer onboarding and scheduling through the department’s volunteer management system.
• Respond to volunteer inquiries and assist with recruitment and outreach efforts.
• Support event planning and facilitation, including on‑ground assistance at events and classrooms.
• Track and report volunteer participation for grant reporting purposes.
• Maintain clear and timely communication with volunteers and partners.

• A bachelor’s degree in business, communications, education, sociology, or a closely related field, OR one year of related professional experience coordinating volunteers or program participants.
• Project management skills sufficient to organize and implement projects, ensure timely completion of deliverables, manage competing interests, and maintain attention to detail.
• Knowledge of volunteer coordination, recruitment, onboarding, and retention practices across multiple projects.
• Customer service skills to respond to volunteer and public inquiries in a timely, professional manner via email, phone, and in person.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with staff, volunteers, partners, and diverse members of the public.
• Strong written communication skills for volunteer instructions, surveys, outreach content, and project reports.
• Public speaking and facilitation skills for presentations, public events, and trainings.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) for tracking data, maintaining databases, and producing reports.

• Two years of related professional experience in volunteer coordination or program participation.
• Experience with volunteer management software (e.g., Better Impact) for onboarding, scheduling, and tracking.
• Relevant coursework or experience in wildlife, ecology, conservation, or environmental education.
• Experience supporting or leading events, trainings, or recognition activities with partners or volunteers.
• Ability to engage diverse communities in public programming.

Applicants must be able to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Conflict of Interest Review
• Criminal History Check
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651‑259‑3637 or email careers.us.

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourage persons of color, Indigenous communities, LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, people with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to protected characteristics.

Minnesota state agencies provide reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities. For assistance with searching or applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk or email careers.us.