Engineering Specialist

Job Details

Job Class: Engineering Specialist
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 85253
• Location: Rochester or St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/23/2025
• Closing Date: 05/13/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operation Services Division
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $31.11 - $45.98 / hourly; $64,957 - $96,006 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers
• Last Incumbent: Duane Lillyblad
• Supervisor Name: Yancey Stam
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• 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

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Engineering Specialist position.

The selected candidate will have the option to report to either St. Paul or Rochester. The specific location will be agreed upon at time of selection.

The position exists to manage and provide high level para-professional engineering services for the DNR in the development and preparation of difficult and complex construction plans and specifications; concurrent inspection, administration and direction of multiple projects which are under construction at the same time and are spread throughout the State; supervision and performance of field surveys and data collection; and assistance in administering the Operation Services Division Regional Engineering Office. The incumbent in this position functions with a high degree of independence. This position adds value to the Department by providing high level technical expertise, project management, and product and process improvement to the various divisions of the DNR.

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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of paraprofessional engineering experience drafting and designing construction plans. An associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Design and Drafting, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Extensive knowledge of mathematics and topographic mapping sufficient to prepare original topographic base mapping and geometric alignments with minimal direction from others.
• Advanced knowledge of civil engineering design and plan development related to construction of roads, trails, bridges, parking lots, water control structures, dams, and other improvements.
• Knowledge of construction practices, materials, and procedures sufficient to conduct inspections of contractor's work, identify compliance with industry standards, and recognize improper work methods and materials.
• Knowledge and ability to read and review construction documents, to interpret building codes, to prepare cost estimates, materials lists, and project schedules.
• A high level of skill in operation of AutoCAD Civil 3D and other technical software packages.
  • Note: An AutoCAD Civil 3D version 2024 proficiency exam may be administered as part of the interview process.
• The ability to interpret the results of data produced by various types of engineering and surveying software and to make accurate recommendations to project managers.
• The ability to communicate orally and in writing with representatives of the contractor, governmental agencies, and department personnel.
• The ability to provide assistance and/or training to others in the area of design.

Preferred Qualifications

• An Associate's degree or higher in an architectural, engineering, or construction related field.
• Five (5) or more years paraprofessional experience drafting and designing construction plans.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in project management or construction administration.
• High-level of skill operating ArcView GIS together with CAD.
• High-level experience in operating Autodesk Civil 3D software utilizing corridors, grading groups, profiles, alignments and networks.
• Experience in hydraulic modeling and stormwater management.
• Experience in utilizing real time kinematics (RTK) GPS and total station survey equipment to perform topographic surveys and construction staking.

Additional Requirements

This position requires and unrestricted Class D Driver's License with a clear driving record.

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 careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Yancey Stam at yancey.stam@state.mn.us or 651-259-5804.

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.