DNR Learning and Development Opportunities: February 7, 2023

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minnesota department of natural resources

Learning & Development Opportunities

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February 7, 2023

New Training Coming Your Way!

We have been busy organizing and developing new learning and development opportunities for DNR employees. We've listened to your feedback, and we are excited to announce a new Benefits Overview for new employees, a newly revamped New Employee Orientation, a new Well-being webinar, two new Work EVO related courses, and a new training on chainsaw use on water.

In addition, MNIT and ETD have new courses offered this month. Check out details below!

Upcoming Courses and Learning Events


Scroll down for additional information regarding any of these opportunities:

  1. New Employee Benefits Overview - New
  2. "How I Used EAP" Well-being Webinars - New

  3. New Employee Orientation - New March Date

  4. Chainsaw Use on Water Training - New Course

  5. Training, Tools and Resources for the New World of Work - New Courses

  6. Learning Management Tip of the Month - New information on supplemental learning
  7. Learning Pathways by MNIT - New February courses & dates

  8. Enterprise Talent Development Courses - New February courses & dates

Most courses are optional, but some courses may be required of some employees. Please read carefully, and discuss with your supervisor to determine if the courses are required of, or right for you. If there is a cost to attend, you must ensure all necessary funding actions are in place before attending any course.


Benefits

1. New Employee Benefits Overview

 

Are you a new employee? Would you like to know more about the State of Minnesota benefits package? We know new employees can have many questions pertaining to benefits enrollment. Previous new employees have shared the value of receiving a benefits overview during the 30-day enrollment period.

We are happy to announce that the DNR Human Resources Office will be facilitating a monthly one-hour benefits overview for new employees beginning in February.

Main topics covered in this webinar include:

  • Eligibility
  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • FMLA
  • Disability Insurance
  • Pre-tax Accounts
  • Retirement (MSRS)
  • Information about SEGIP
  • Q&A

Type of Course: Webex Live Webinar
Who should take this: Optional for all new employees.
Cost:  None
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 15, from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
How to Join: Save date and time on your calendar and use the following Webex link to join session:

Webex Link: https://minnesota.webex.com/minnesota/j.php?MTID=m392bb295d68abda3905a514fe5388251

Sponsored by:  Human Resources
Contact:  Any questions or need more information, contact Michelle Barringer at Michelle.Barringer@state.mn.us or dnrlearning.dnr@state.mn.us


Wellbeing Logo

2. "How I Used EAP" Well-being Webinars

 

Whether you are working through a stressful personal or work situation, or are just trying to understand your employee benefits, navigating the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may feel overwhelming. Our Well-being Action Team wants to make it easier for you!  

Join us for a presentation about EAP program resources and hear DNR employees share examples of how they have used EAP. Steven Reuter, workplace coach and consultant with Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) will join us, along with several DNR employees, to share their knowledge and experiences, with time for questions. There will also be an opportunity for participants to share input on future well-being initiatives.

Save the date that works for you:  

Can't make it?

This event is provided by the Well-being Action Team in coordination with DNR Learning and Development and the State Employee Group Insurance Program Employee Assistance Program. Questions: Contact: Laura.Grunloh@state.mn.us.  


3. New Employee Orientation

 

Human Resources is thrilled to announce a New Employee Orientation (NEO) revamp. Over the course of the last six months, we have been working behind the scenes, reviewing feedback of our virtual NEO, and making changes that we hope will accommodate our new employees’ needs.

That said, one big change includes moving NEO to one workday to help with scheduling for all involved. However, NEO will remain a virtual orientation. We will also be offering NEO monthly.

Who is required to attend:

  • Regular part-time and full-time employees new to the DNR
  • Seasonal and temporary employees new to the DNR

Course Description: The mission of New Employee Orientation (NEO) is to introduce new employees to the Department of Natural Resources and to explain the organization’s mission, purpose, scope, policies, and values, which state how we work together to accomplish our goals. New Employee Orientation is designed to welcome new employees, begin building community, and provide core information about the DNR to help them be successful in their first 90 days of employment.

Course Code: R29DNRHRONEOVC-030123
Launch Date and Time: 
Wednesday, March 1, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Save this date on your calendar if you enroll. After February 21, more communication will be emailed to those enrolled including an Outlook calendar invitation with Webex Meeting link.

Enrollment Deadline: February 21
How to Complete: Enroll in Learning Management (ELM)*
Sponsored by: Human Resources Office
Contact: Email Michelle Barringer at Michelle.Barringer@state.mn.us or DNRLearning.DNR@state.mn.us


Person using a chainsaw

4. Chainsaw Use on Water Training

 

Type of Course: eLearning

Course Description: This course will cover the techniques and procedures involved with using chainsaws in and over water and from boats safely and efficiently. The training explains some of the hazards inherent in this work and how to mitigate the risks. The course is broken into 5 units which can be taken all at one time or spread over multiple days.
Course Code: R29DNRPATCHAWAT
Who should take this: DNR employees who have a need to use a chainsaw while standing in water or from a boat
Required: Dependent on position and duties
Cost:  None
How to Join: Enroll in Learning Management (ELM)*
Sponsored by: Parks and Trails (PAT)
Contact: 
Nancy Stewart at nancy.stewart@state.mn.us


5.  Training, Tools and Resources for the New World of Work

All employees can benefit from training to help make the transition to our new world of work as smooth as possible. Our Learning and Development team developed the Training, Tools, and Resources for the New World of Work webpage. On this page, you will find a collection of resources that have been selected by the Learning and Development team, sorted by relevant topic area.

This month, we are excited to share two new eLearning courses developed by the DNR Learning & Development unit:

person looking at clock

1. Time Management Skills

Course Description: No matter how organized you are or how efficient you are at getting work done, there are always only 24 hours in a day. All we can do is manage ourselves and what we do with the time we have. Learn tips and strategies for managing your time better.
Course Code: R29DNRHROTIME
Length of Course:  25 minutes

person organizing on computer

2. Prioritizing and Organizing Work to be More Productive

Course Description: Feeling out of control and don't know how to get all your work done? In this course you will learn about the importance and benefits of organizing and prioritizing work and discover tools and methods to help you.
Course Code: R29DNRHROORGWK
Length of Course: 27 minutes

These resources have been selected because they may provide some good information and ideas. Not every example may be applicable to state government service or your situation; use your best judgement when implementing these resources.


6. Learning Management Tip of the Month

 

New Tile Change in Learning Management (ELM)

Starting Thursday, February 2, learners will see a new Supplemental Learning tile in addition to the My Learning tile when they sign onto Learning Management (ELM). 

Supplemental Learning is learning completed outside of Learning Management (i.e., conferences, webinars). Supplemental Learning can now be logged using the new tile and will be tracked in My Learning. For more information, check out the Learning Management Learner Guide.

If you have questions regarding this change or about Learning Management (ELM), please contact dnrelmsupport@state.mn.us

supplemental learning tile

7. Learning Pathways by MNIT

 

Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) offers numerous online resources, general tips, a Training Events & Meetings calendar and more. In fact, MNIT offers trainings for all Microsoft 365 products including how to get started with Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, Softphones, and Streams.

Find out about upcoming MNIT training, office hours and meetups by visiting the Learning Pathways website. 

Here's just a few of MNIT upcoming trainings in February 2023:

Microsoft 365 Office Hours
Thursday, February 9, 2023
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

How to use the Webex Scheduler in Outlook
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
2:00 – 3:00 PM


8.  Enterprise Talent Development Courses

 

Develop current strengths and build news kills by participating in a course through Enterprise Talent Development (ETD). Many have a fee, if so, you'll need to ensure funding prior to attending.

Upcoming January courses:

Leading and Supervising Virtual and Hybrid Teams
Course Date: February 15, 2023, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. | Cost: $175

Productive Conflict
Course Date: February 23, 2023, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Cost: $95

For more information, visit ETD Upcoming Courses.


Have Training You Want Added in the Next Issue?

For learning events and training opportunities that cross divisions and employee groups, simply complete the Microsoft Office Learning & Development Newsletter Submission Form

If you have any questions about this L&D Training newsletter, email DNRLearning.DNR@state.mn.us.

For inclusion in the next communication, please submit no later than February 15, 2023.


Please discuss with your supervisor prior to signing up for or completing training.

Some courses may be required of some or all employees, others may be optional. Please read course details carefully, and discuss with your supervisor to determine if the courses are right for you prior to enrolling in or completing them.

Also, for any training that involves a fee, each employee must ensure all necessary funding actions are in place before attending. If you have questions, please talk with your supervisor.


Resources

*How to Enroll in Courses in Learning Management (ELM)Access the course by logging into Self Service, and select the "Learning Management" tile. Copy and paste the course code into the "Find Learning" search box and select the double arrows. Select the correct course and then the Enroll button. You can launch the course then, or return to it later by navigating to the "My Learning" tile on the Learning Management homepage.

DNR Training Matrix:  The Training Matrix is a comprehensive list of required training for DNR employees. Its purpose is to help DNR employees identify training required of them. All trainings are sorted by intended audiences. Recognize that some trainings may be optional for one position and required of another position. For more information about these courses and other training available to DNR employees, please visit DNR Training Matrix.