Forestry Executive AssistantJob Class: Office & Administrative Specialist PrincipalAgency: MN Department of Natural Resources
Job ID: 92956
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: 03/21/2026
Closing Date: 03/27/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: Forestry
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: Yes; occasional
Salary Range: $24.12 - $32.54 / hourly; $50,362 - $67,943 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 206 - Clerical / AFSCME
Work Area: Division of Forestry - Central Office Headquarters
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: 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.
Job Summary
The Minnesota DNR is hiring an Executive Assistant to provide high-level administrative support to the Division of Forestry and key forestry programs, including Business & Administrative Services, Forest Operations & Management, Strategic Planning & Policy, and Wildfire.
In this role, you will:
Lead and support staff involved in recurring programs such as Timber Sales, Fire Billings, Fire Prevention, Cost Share, and Competitive Grants.
Represent administrative support staff on the Division Management Team (DMT) and help ensure the division meets statutory requirements and achieves its goals.
Plan, organize, and coordinate special projects and events, providing technical expertise and guidance.
Manage office systems and administrative services for the division.
Handle complex and sensitive matters, including staffing, budget, and legislative issues.
This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized professional to make a meaningful impact on Minnesota’s forestry programs.
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 an annual telework agreement.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of accounting, budgeting, and expense reporting sufficient to monitor and balance multiple budgets and grants, analyze line items, identify errors, ensure spending aligns with guidelines, and recommend budget transfers.
Knowledge of bookkeeping sufficient to prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files and financial reports, analyze transactions, assign them to accounts, post and adjust ledger entries, and ensure funds are properly allocated according to department and division policies.
Skill in customer service sufficient to provide information and assistance to internal and external customers through phone calls, emails, and in-person interactions using courtesy, tact, empathy, and positive problem-solving.
Skill in spreadsheet and data management sufficient to maintain accurate budget records and reports, compile and verify data, correct entry errors, design and modify spreadsheets, and extract information as needed.
Ability to lead work and manage staff sufficient to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate office operations and staff, provide coaching and training, and develop administrative training programs.
Skill in mathematics sufficient to perform calculations, track budgets and expenditures, make projections, and verify invoices for accuracy.
Skill in using Microsoft Office Suite or similar software sufficient to create, modify, and publish calendars, memos, letters, documents, reports, charts, graphics, and presentations.
Ability to work independently sufficient to manage multiple priorities and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to perform advanced administrative support and office management functions, including at least three (3) years of experience in accounting, budgeting, reporting, and records retention.
Knowledge of and skill in using SWIFT or other governmental statewide accounting systems sufficient to provide technical expertise, enter, verify, and approve purchases, query and compile reports, assist with spending plans, financial status reports, and budget requests, and analyze data to create meaningful reports.
Knowledge of competitive bidding processes required for all purchasing.
Ability to demonstrate initiative, effort, and commitment to efficiently completing assignments.
Skill in Microsoft Office products sufficient to prepare reports, letters, financial statements, and track and create statistical reports.
Skill and ability to develop and provide training and act as a lead worker to other staff.
Ability in human relations sufficient to foster a positive work environment and maintain successful professional relationships.
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
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 this position, contact Patty Thielen at patty.thielen@state.mn.us or 651-259-5615.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Chelsie Fisher at chelsie.fisher@state.mn.us.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
A sense of purpose in their work
Connection with their coworkers and communities
Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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
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.