Volunteer Engagement Specialist - State Program Admin

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Volunteer Engagement Specialist to support the coordination, recruitment, and retention of volunteers for community science and wildlife education programs. This role involves ensuring volunteers have a positive experience, coordinating onboarding, and supporting outreach efforts. Responsibilities Coordinating volunteer onboarding and scheduling through the department’s volunteer management system Responding to volunteer inquiries Assisting with recruitment and outreach efforts Supporting event planning and facilitation Helping track and report volunteer participation for grant reporting purposes Providing occasional on-the-ground support at events and classrooms Maintaining clear, timely, and welcoming communication with volunteers and partners Skills A bachelor's degree in business, communications, education, sociology, or a closely related field, OR one year of related professional experience coordinating, supporting, or engaging volunteers or program participants (e.g., volunteer coordination, event support, community outreach, nonprofit or public sector programs) Project management skills sufficient to organize and implement projects, ensure timely completion of deliverables, manage competing interests for time, and maintain attention to detail Knowledge of volunteer coordination, recruitment, onboarding, and retention practices sufficient to support volunteers across multiple projects Customer service skills sufficient to respond to volunteer and public inquiries in a timely, professional, and supportive manner via email, phone, and in person Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, volunteers, partners, and members of the public from diverse backgrounds Ability to write clear, concise, audience-appropriate communications, including volunteer instructions and surveys, outreach content, and project summaries and reports Public speaking and facilitation skills sufficient to develop and deliver public presentations, host public events, and support trainings Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (including Word, Excel, and Outlook) sufficient to track volunteer data, maintain databases, and produce reports and outreach materials Two years of related professional experience coordinating, supporting, or engaging volunteers or program participants (e.g., volunteer coordination, event support, community outreach, nonprofit or public sector programs) Experience using volunteer management software (such as Better Impact or similar systems) to onboard volunteers, schedule opportunities, and track hours Coursework or experience related to wildlife, ecology, conservation, natural resources, environmental education, or participatory/community science Experience supporting or leading events, trainings, recognition activities, or educational programs, including coordination with partners or volunteers Ability to engage diverse communities in public programming Benefits 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 Training, classes, and professional development Tuition reimbursement 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 Company Overview Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is a government agency that offers natural resource management and environmental protection. It was founded in 1975, and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is