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Invasive Species Communications Specialist

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Invasive Species Communications Specialist
Job Class: Communications Specialist 2
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • 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
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Association of Professional Employees / MAPE
  • 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 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.

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

 

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 Kelly Pennington at kelly.pennington@state.mn.us or 651-245-0859.

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 Joshua Swanson at josh.t.swanson@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.