Realty Specialist
Realty Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
- Job ID: 90358
- 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: 11/20/2025
- Closing Date: 12/10/2025
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
- Division/Unit: Lands and Minerals
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: No
- Salary Range: $26.43 - $38.55 / hourly; $55,185 - $80,492 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- 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 Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Realty Specialist position. This position is responsible for providing professional expertise in processing real estate transactions. The position will coordinate the processing and completion of real estate transactions and provide problem solving on transaction applications. This position performs research, analysis of data and makes recommendations for solutions and with management direction works directly with the public and department staff.
Responsibilities include:
- Coordinate, process, research and analyze assigned real estate transactions in the Region.
- Process new and renewal applications, assignments, amendments, maintenance notifications and preparation of documents.
- Coordinate the processing, and completion of assigned leases and easements in the Region.
- Coordinate the review, processing and completion of assigned tax forfeited sales packets in the Region.
- Responsible for working with regional resource staff to coordinate and collect resource comments on proposed land sales, land acquisition inquiries, sales, exchanges, and trespass issues.
- Participate in and support the Regional Lands and Minerals Team, the Region and the Division of Lands and Minerals.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Two (2) years of real estate experience including title research, land surveying, drafting and land leases, acquiring / granting right of way, or processing, drafting land leases, licenses, easements or environmental or water use permits, and acquiring / granting right of way contracts.
- An associate's degree in real estate, business, economics, or closely related field can substitute for one (1) year of experience.
- An understanding of legal descriptions sufficient to locate and identify ownership and property interests.
- Ability to manage numerous transactions and other assignments using multi-tasking, organization, and time management skills.
- Knowledge of real estate transactions, land and water use permits, and real property rights.
- Knowledge of laws and regulations which govern State real estate transactions and land and water permits to understanding statutes, federal regulations, and how to apply internal policy decisions, such as management of Threatened and Endangered Species and Invasive Species, wetlands, historic structures, historic sites, and environmental review.
- Knowledge of the factors which affect the real estate industry, both public and private as well as have knowledge of real estate appraisals or land valuations.
- Communication skills sufficient to write clear and effective correspondence to a highly varied clientele including real estate professionals, attorneys, utility companies, high departments, landowners, public, internal departmental contacts and other public entities.
- Ability to read aerial photos and maps, and surveys sufficient to identify physical locations of property and determine any boundary issues.
- Knowledge of legal descriptions, as well as familiarity with legal documents and title problem resolution.
- Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook and Teams sufficient to complete spreadsheets, generate reports, draft real estate documents and coordinate and participate in online meetings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in real estate, business, economics, or closely related field.
- Project management skills sufficient to demonstrate the ability to manage multiple projects at various stages of completion at one time.
- Experience with real estate transactions, granting or acquiring leases, easements, utility licenses or permits.
- Proven ability to work independently and in a team setting.
- Proven skills in problem solving for real estate transactions.
- Understanding of the working and activities of governmental programs.
Additional Requirements
This position requires and 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 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 Joe Rokala at joe.rokala@state.mn.us or 218-328-8923.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinate 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 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.