Invasive Species Communications Specialist, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR)
- Job ID: 92776
- Location: St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid up to 50%
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 03/26/2026
- Closing Date: 04/15/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Ecological and Water Resources
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday – Friday
- Travel Required: Yes, occasionally as needed
- Salary Range: $29.25 – $42.94 / hourly; $61,074 – $89,658 / annually
The Department of Natural Resources Division of Ecological and Water Resources is seeking to fill one (1) Full-time Unlimited Invasive Species Communications Specialist – Communications Specialist 2 position located at our Central Office in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
This position develops, plans, implements, and coordinates a strategic invasive species communication, information, and outreach program under the direction of the Invasive Species Unit Supervisor and in collaboration with the statewide Invasive Species Program and Ecological and Water Resources (EWR) Division Communications personnel. This position provides coordination, leadership, strategic planning, and guidance on invasive species communications to advance program goals of preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species and effectively managing their impacts.
Responsibilities include:
- Develop, direct, and maintain strategic communications that support Department, Division, and Program priorities.
- Coordinate and implement invasive species outreach and communications statewide.
- Develop invasive species communications, messaging, and materials to reach targeted audiences through a variety of media and in-person events, consistent with overall communications strategy.
- Coordinate within the statewide Invasive Species Program to ensure consistency and excellence in programmatic communications.
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. This position will require some travel to attend in-person meetings and DNR events including, but not limited to, the State Fair.
- Posted: March 27, 2026
- Job Type: Staff
- Application deadline (expired): 04/15/2026
- Organization: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR)
- Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications Two (2) years of professional level experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or outreach. Experience in planning, writing, and editing content for news releases, web, social media, newsletters, public service announcements for radio and television, radio actualities, and/or scripts for information or education productions. Knowledge of strategic communications principles, practices, and techniques as related to the planning, creating, editing, and distribution of communications deliverables. Knowledge of editorial best practices and style sufficient to apply plain language to all written communications. Project management and facilitation skills sufficient to manage complex communications planning efforts. Excellent oral and written communication skills, sufficient to represent the program and Division in a professional, efficient, and clear manner. Communications and human relations skills sufficient to work in a highly collaborative team environment, and to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders and communicate effectively with agency leadership. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills sufficient to address complex communications and public relations challenges. Skills with office technology systems, such as Microsoft Office, or similar programs, data management systems, and internet applications, to assemble, analyze, and synthesize information from data sources. Preferred Qualifications A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, media, or closely related field. Four (4) years of professional level experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or outreach. Experience with writing and/or editing content about natural resource issues and outdoor recreation. Experience with audience development as it relates to websites, newsletters, and social media channels. Knowledge of invasive species sufficient to produce content that advances invasive species prevention and management and to prioritize outreach to new audiences and invasive species pathways. Knowledge of community-based social marketing or similar behavior change approaches. Experience with optimizing websites and creating electronic documents, products, video and audio that are accessible to those with disabilities. Experience working with internal and external stakeholders, including media, government and non-government partners, subject-matter experts, and customers. 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
- How to apply: External candidates can apply online on the State Careers web site at http://www.mn.gov/careers/ to job ID 92776.
- Location: Saint Paul, MN
- Web address: https://careers.mn.gov/psc/mnjob/MNCAREERS/HRCR/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_SCHJOB_FL&Action=U
Contact Information
Kelly Pennington
kelly.pennington@state.mn.us