Human Resources Specialist 1
Job ID: 95417
Location: St. Paul
Telework Eligible: No
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 07/20/2026
Closing Date: 07/27/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
Division/Unit: Operation Services Division / Human Resources
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday - Friday
Travel Required: No
Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 217 - Confidential/Unrep
FLSA Status: Nonexempt
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 Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Human Resources Specialist 1 / Payroll Lead located at St. Paul, MN in Central Office.
The Payroll Lead provides professional and technical support services for the DNR Human Resources unit. The position will provide lead direction in the administration of the following Human Resource functions: payroll, payroll transaction auditing, safety and worker's compensation payroll buyback, and limited contract administration.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Manage and oversee the payroll function for the DNR ensuring services are delivered consistently and in compliance with State and Federal laws, Labor Union contracts, Fair Labor Standards Act, FMLA, and other policies and procedures.
Provide guidance and consultation services to management, co-workers, and others requesting information or services from Human Resources so that customers trust and seek advice and counsel from HR to answer questions and make decisions.
Create and conduct audits to ensure compliance with policies, bargaining contracts and plans, statutes and laws.
Manage the worker's compensation overpayment for the department so overpayments are collected and leave accruals are adjusted accurately and timely.
Provide technical support to contract negotiations and labor relations activities so appropriate analysis and review is completed in a timely manner.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of experience performing paraprofessional, clerical, or technical duties in human resources or payroll.
Experience following confidentiality guidelines and handling sensitive information.
Ability to maintain attention to detail while experience frequent interruptions.
Ability to identify and address multiple duties, work under pressure, and be flexible with changing priorities.
Adaptability and problem-solving skills sufficient to perform job duties effectively.
Experience with applying state and federal employment laws, Minnesota Statutes, personnel rules and regulations, policies, procedures, and State of Minnesota bargaining agreements/salary plans.
Ability and desire to work cooperatively with others as a team.
Knowledge and experience with complex workers' compensation policy and guidelines.
Knowledge of payroll laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, managers, supervisors, and external sources.
Knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing software applications sufficient to independently manage documents, files, and spreadsheets.
Ability to lead payroll staff by guiding, training, and consulting staff daily to ensure processes are completed accurately and within set deadlines.
Problem solving skills sufficient to analyze, research, discuss, and handle complex and/or new situations and resolve issues/problems.
Preferred Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience processing payroll.
Three (3) years of experience performing paraprofessional, clerical, or technical duties in a human resources or finance office.
Associate degree in Accounting, Finance, or closely related field.
Extensive experience in using SEMA4 or similar personnel management system sufficient to review employee and position information, pull standard reports, and accurately enter personnel transaction.
Experience in any of the following areas:
Data practices for personnel records
FMLA
FLSA
Workers' compensation
Unemployment compensation claims processing
Knowledge of the Minnesota Data Practices Act sufficient to respond appropriately to request for data.
Writing skills sufficient to draft letters, reports, and informational material for agency-wide distribution to employees.
Knowledge of the Minnesota Data Practices Act sufficient to respond appropriately to requests for data.
Writing skills sufficient to draft letters, reports, and informational material for agency-wide distribution to employees.
Additional Requirements
No driving duties are required.
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 follwoing 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 Jennifer Rivera at jennifer.rivera@state.mn.us or 651-259-5318.
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 Rebecca McMillen at rebecca.mcmillen@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.