Job Description
Working Title: Mining Project Planner
Job Class: Planner Principal State Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources - Job ID: 89607
- Location: Hibbing or St. Paul
- Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 10/21/2025
- Closing Date: 11/12/2025
- 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: Yes, 10%
- Salary Range: $32.40 - $47.76 / hourly; $67,651 - $99,722 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
- 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.
The preferred work location for the selected candidate is either Hibbing or St. Paul. The selected candidate may have the option to report to either existing DNR offices in the work area. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Mining Project Planner / Planner Principal State. This position exists to direct and guide the work direction for the Mine Permitting & Coordination Unit and the Reclamation Research Units within the Lands and Minerals Division for ferrous, non-ferrous and peat mining projects, with a focus on ferrous projects that are Multi-Permit Projects (MPPs). The employee will have the role of project manager and main point of contact for mine permitting projects that are 1) permits for a new facility, 2) substantial amendments, 3) projects with multiple permits involving multiple agencies and/or 4) will undergo environmental review. The employee provides, assigns and prioritizes work in the review of documents submitted for mine permitting, (e.g. permit to mine, water appropriation, public waters work, and wetlands) and environmental review. Documents are reviewed for technical content, regulatory adequacy and the evaluation of the environmental soundness of mine management plans.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Direct, facilitate and coordinate Lands and Mineral Division (LAM) environmental review process for ferrous, non-ferrous and peat mining projects.
- Direct, facilitate and coordinate LAM permitting process for ferrous, non-ferrous and peat mining projects; and work with staff and consultants to ensure issues and concerns are addressed in project review and design.
- Provide work direction to LAM permitting staff as a team lead for permitting process.
- Participate in training to 1) improve project management, facilitation and related skills, and 2) remain technically current with information required for environmentally sound mining practices in Minnesota.
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. More frequent in-person days may be required for the first six months or so during training/probationary period.
This position involves occasional travel, the employee must have the ability to travel statewide to other DNR buildings throughout Minnesota and off-site locations, such as mining operations.
Minimum Qualifications - A bachelor's degree in public administration, business, environmental planning, natural resources management, biological sciences, geology, reclamation, soil sciences, environmental science, environmental engineering or related field.
- Three (3) years of professional project management experience in the field of natural resources, environmental program administration, permitting, environmental impact and analysis, or related field.
- Demonstrated interpersonal and human relations skills, along with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, sufficient to establish ongoing effective, positive, trusting and professional relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated excellent writing, communication and presentation skills.
- Project management skills to identify risks, critical paths, and resources and coordinate the work of others across multiple simultaneous operations.
- Demonstrated time management skills, sufficient to balance multiple tasks, projects and priorities.
- Strong computer skills in all standard Microsoft Office software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects that may not have hard deadlines but need to be advanced through the permitting process.
- Ability to understand complex scientific and technical data and how it may impact permitting and environmental review.
Preferred Qualifications - A master's degree in public administration, business, environmental planning, natural resources management, engineering management, or related field.
- Leadership abilities sufficient to move multi-agency and public-based groups toward common goals.
- Knowledge of policies, statutes and rules as they apply to metallic mineral mining.
- Demonstrated ability to identify and communicate points of commonality derived from multiple sources across multiple state divisions or agencies.
- Two (2) or more years of experience managing complex projects.
- Basic knowledge of policies, statutes and rules as they apply to mining, particularly the procedural requirements for environmental review and permitting.
- Ability to use and/or interpret projects using Geographic Information Systems, Microsoft Project, and/or statistical analysis software sufficient to apply to the planning process.
- Familiarity with mining and knowledge of Minnesota's mining industry and history. Particularly Minnesota's taconite operations, operational best practices, mine and process engineering principles.
- Strong analytical and research skills sufficient to interpret information on geology, hydrology, minerals and other resources that influence natural resource management activities.
Additional Requirements This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per the 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.
All 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 person 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 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
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Katie Larson at kathryn.larson@state.mn.us or 218-231-8457.
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 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.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, H1b, Work at office, Local area, Remote work, Work visa, Monday to Friday, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift,