Project Manager, Senior (Parks)

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Parks
HOURS: Full-time
SALARY RANGE: $82,337 - 128,651/year (109 grade level)
LOCATION: Apple Valley, WSC
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026

What You'll Do
The Senior Project Manager will have a lead role in the design, preparation and implementation of land conservation and natural resource programs within, and as appropriate, outside the Parks Department in the Natural Resources Program. The Senior Project Manager serves on a multitude of team projects providing direct management, leadership, and organization and process expertise needed to implement projects and ongoing programs.

* Bachelor's Degree AND two years' experience in leading and managing projects and programs.
OR
* An equivalent combination of education and experience to total 6 or more years in leading and managing projects and programs.
AND
* Valid Driver's License

Preferred experience beyond minimum qualifications
* Completed degree in one of the following fields: Geography, Environmental Studies, Natural Resources, Biology, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field.
* Direct work experience with land conservation/protection, natural resources, park inholding acquisitions, conservation leases, stewardship planning, and/or greenways projects
* Leading and managing activities and work of staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, and institutional crews
* Experience managing and/or developing contracts, project budgets, and grants.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Serve in a lead role in the design, preparation, and implementation of land conservation projects and programs including natural resources projects, the Land Conservation program, park inholding acquisitions, conservation leases, stewardship planning, and greenways projects.

2. Coordinate and manage activities of staff, volunteers, consultants, contractors, and institutional crews relating to projects.

3. Serve in a lead role in research and analysis related to land conservation project and program management; including presenting information to a wide variety of audiences.

4. Develop plans and directions for the future based on evaluation; recommend resources as needed.

5. Manage the development, analysis, and evaluation of land conservation projects and programs in cooperation with affected departments and agencies.

6. Manage and coordinate the selection of contractors, and the administration of contracts. Oversee a variety of contracts and agreements with service providers and landowners.

7. Oversee and develop grant requests, and requests for County Board action.

8. Oversee project/program budgets.

9. Work with a variety of project/program stakeholders and stakeholder groups.

10. Oversee and ensure project/program tracking systems and databases are maintained.

11. Oversee implementation of appropriate process improvements.

12. Assist in strategic planning for ongoing land conservation projects/programs.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Duties 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12 are essential functions.

• Ability to reason through projects and determine the best way to address issues and solve problems
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles and practices related to project/program development and management
• Knowledge of and ability with computers
• Ability to develop and implement project/program processes and timelines
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Ability to develop cooperative relationships within and outside Dakota County at a variety of agency and organization levels. Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to accept multiple tasks and be adaptable to a variety of disciplines and requests
• Work independently and in partnership

Work Environment
Work is performed in a County office building. Some travel and field work may be required. Some lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required on an occasional basis. Equipment use may include, but not be limited to, computer, printer, telephone, calculator, copy/fax/scanner machine, presentation audio/visual equipment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks