Office and Administrative Specialist Intermediate

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At the DNR, we are committed to the conservation and management of the states natural resources for outdoor recreation, economic development, and a sustainable quality of life. Apply with us and find your path.

Job Details

Job Class: Office and Administrative Specialist Int

Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97540
• Location: Brainerd
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/27/2026
• Closing Date: 11/16/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Fish and Wildlife / Wildlife Damage Unit
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, occasional
• Salary Range: $ 21.12 - $ 28.01 / hourly; $ 44,099 - $ 58,485 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Brainerd Area
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work youll 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.

Job Summary

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides outdoor recreation activities and manages Minnesota's natural resources to create economic opportunity and a sustainable quality of life. We are driven to find talented, innovative employees to help us carry out this mission.

The DNR is currently seeking to hire one (1) full-time Office and Administrative Specialist Intermediate in Brainerd, MN. Workdays are Monday-Friday and work hours are 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Occasional travel for meetings or training.

This position exists to perform administrative, fiscal, customer service, and clerical support services within department programs so policies, operations, and office procedures are effectively carried out; the general public and area, regional, and central office staff are served in an efficient manner; fish and wildlife resources are managed and protected for the greatest public benefit.

This position will provide support to the Brainerd Area Wildlife office, the statewide Wildlife Damage Program and the statewide Shallow Lakes Program.

Job responsibilities include:

• Perform office manager administrative support duties for the Area Wildlife Office, Wildlife Damage Program and Shallow Lakes Program so that internal and external customer needs are met and communication, information flow, materials, operations, programs, and projects are coordinated and carried out effectively, efficiently, timely, and responsibly in accordance with State and DNR policies and procedures.
• Support budget management, the purchasing process and fleet/asset management so that financial obligations are met timely and in compliance with State, Federal, and DNR policies and procedures. Gathers, verifies, and summarizes data for fiscal and administrative reports. Provides technical advice to office staff and schedules, trains, and provides technical guidance to coworkers.
• Process and archive electronic and physical files in accordance with State and Federal retention guidelines. Maintain thorough knowledge of data-entry and result retrieval with department and division database programs. Accurately enter data and transcribe other field information into appropriate documents or databases.
• Support and contribute to the successful operation of the Area Wildlife Office, the Wildlife Damage Program and the Shallow Lakes Program, within the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources in a professional manner. As needed, provide specific program support and contribute to special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of word processing/typing and use software to create, format, edit, print, and save a variety of documents, correspondence, and reports in an organized manner, grammatically correct, in proper format and free of spelling errors; create reports by combining and presenting data from multiple sources.
• Spreadsheet skills sufficient to develop tables, charts, and graphs, in proper format and free of spelling errors; create reports by combining and presenting data from multiple sources.
• Basic accounting sufficient to monitor and balance budgets, ensure that spending is within budget and effectively recommend fund transfers; resolve discrepancies; review/verify financial records and prepare financial summaries and reports; enter and access information, identify, and adjust for potential problems, etc.
• Customer service skills sufficient to provide prompt, courteous, and accurate information to internal and external customers in person, by phone, e-mail, or other written correspondence; schedule and confirm appointments; interpret and explain program information; effectively communicate and elicit information with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others sufficient to perform the duties listed above, prepare written responses, present clear and concise explanations of governing rules and regulations, etc., and file and retrieve information based on content, using alphabetical filing practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) years general office experience performing mail merging, database management, project management, administrator for online database; creating, issuing, and processing permits; creating purchase orders, processing paperwork for items such as fleet, purchasing cards, expense reports; creating and editing reports that included graphs and tables, etc.
• High level of organizational and time management skills sufficient to facilitate management of many projects at one time, prioritize workload, meet required deadlines, initiate and follow-up on activities independently.
• Knowledge of DNR budget and purchasing processes and financial reporting, including proficiency in EIOR, SWIFT, and Crystal Reports.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel (including pivot tables, charts, and macros), Adobe Pro, Access, Teams, and Visio.
• File management skills, paper and electronic, sufficient to retrieve/provide documents and information when needed.
• Experience editing documents for accessibility compliance.
• Knowledge of the Division of Fish and Wildlife program guidelines, rules, and regulations governing natural resources.

Additional Requirements

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 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., H-1B status).

It is the 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

Application Details

How to Apply

Select "Apply for Job" at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about the position, contact Christine Reisz at christine.reisz@state.mn.us or 218-203-4323.

Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodations to assist with the application process should contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us.

Per M.S. 43A.111, Department of Natural Resources may appoint qualified disabled Veterans to classified positions on a noncompetitive basis if eligibility requirements are met. To be considered, you must be included on a US Armed Forces permanent disability list with a disability rating of at least 30% or been rated by the US Department of Veterans Affairs as having a compensable service-connected disability of at least 30%. Official written documentation of this disability dated no more than one year preceding the date of application must be submitted. Please email the documentation, your DD-214, and the job posting ID number to Claudia Marquez-Aguirre at Claudia.Marquez-Aguirre@state.mn.us. Documentation must be received by the posting closing date to be considered.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, applicants must apply online and email the Job ID, Working Title, and valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Claudia Marquez-Aguirre at Claudia.Marquez-Aguirre@state.mn.us.

Benefits

As an employee, youll 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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development

• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.