Direct Services Supervisor - State Prog Admin Supervisor

Job Details

Working Title: Direct Services Supervisor
Job Class: State Prog Administrator Supervisor
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 97318
• Location: Park Rapids, MN
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/30/2026
• Closing Date: 10/20/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: DNR Parks and Trails Reg 1 / Itasca State Park
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Varies
• Days of Work: Varies
• Travel Required: Yes; Occasional
• Salary Range: $27.72 - $40.23 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Mixed - Rotates between Non-exempt and Exempt-Executive each year
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• 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

Established in 1891, Itasca is the oldest state park in Minnesota and one of the first state parks in the country. Home to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, the park is one of the top tourism attractions in the Upper Midwest. Itasca State Park operates 7 days a week with visitors on-site 24 hours a day year-round.

Itasca State Park is currently seeking a Direct Services Supervisor within the Food Service Operation at Itasca State Park. The position supervises 30+ direct service employees and lead workers, with regular duties including hiring, training, and mentoring staff in customer service, food and beverage preparation, and point-of-sale operation; maintaining inventory and ordering supplies; and working with line staff at food service locations. The position is an integral member of the Itasca Food Services Management Team overseeing all food services within the park including the Douglas Lodge Restaurant, Mary Gibbs Café, catering, and special events. Days and times of work vary and include evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position is full-time 40 hours per week, May through October and part-time 32 hours per week November through April.

The Itasca Food Services Operation meets the needs of nearly 600,000 annual park visitors, 1,400 daily overnight guests, and local communities, including Bemidji and Park Rapids.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Exercise supervisory authority over the Itasca State Park Food Services operations so that applicable labor agreements and plans are equitably administered and employees under their supervision effectively perform assigned job duties to achieve the annual objectives Itasca State Park.
• Exercise administrative responsibilities and authority over Itasca State Park Food Services operations so that assigned budget expenditures and revenue are properly processed and records and procedures are up to date.
• Prepare project plans and specifications and participate in park planning efforts so that the Itasca Food Services concerns are addressed in all plans and specifications.
• Conduct or participate in public relations activities and meetings with DNR administration, legislators, concerned groups, and the general public so that the concerns and needs for improvement of park facilities are adequately portrayed to the proper officials, to help fulfill park objectives.
• Exercise administrative authority to assist with the purchase or rental of goods, services, and equipment so that adequate supplies and equipment are available to meet Itasca Food Services objectives.

For FLSA purposes, this position is anticipated to be Exempt for a portion of the year.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years' experience as a Lead worker or supervisory experience sufficient to direct, develop, and engage staff, address complex and confidential human resource issues, and work as a productive member of teams.
• A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience. An associate degree in the fields listed above may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
• Experience administering a safety program in accordance with applicable laws, policies, rules, and regulations.
• Experience using computers and operational related software (e.g., word processing, spreadsheets, point of sale systems, internet, email).
• Experience promoting a cooperative and harmonious work environment to maximize morale, productivity, and efficiency/effectiveness.
• Oral, written, and communication skills sufficient to effectively communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences and meet expectations and requirements of staff and customers.
• Human relations skills sufficient to respond to inquiries and/or complaints.
• Conflict resolution/human relation skills sufficient to negotiate, resolve issues, read situations, and settle disputes equitably by finding common ground and cooperation.
• Time management skills sufficient to make decisions and meet deadlines sometimes with incomplete information, under tight deadlines, and pressure by unforeseeable events and/or emergencies.
• Project management skills to coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously and manage frequent change, delays, or unexpected events by adapting, recommending, and/or developing appropriate alternative solutions.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to develop and implement new strategies and changes.
• Ability to treat employees inclusively in the areas of accommodation, scheduling, expectations, individualized resource needs, training, and development.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, business, or closely related field.
• Experience overseeing restaurant or resort operations in a lead or supervisor capacity. Experience should demonstrate leadership abilities in customer service, front of the house operations, point-of-sale system management and/or inventory costs and controls.
• Experience supervising employees in a union environment.
• Experience with developing training policy/procedural documents or training manuals.
• Experience implementing and tracking established budgets for supplies, services and personnel needs.
• Current First Aid/CPR certification.
• Current Food Safety certification.

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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Nettie Cole at [email protected] or 218-699-7202.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [email protected]. 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 Layla Daleiden at [email protected].

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 [email protected] and let us know the support you need.