Engineering Specialist Senior

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

• Job
• Location:
  
  Rochester
• Telework Eligible:
  Yes, Hybrid
• Full/Part Time:
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/10/2026
• Closing Date: 03/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit:
  Operations Services Division
• Work Shift/
  
  Work Hours:
  
  Day Shift
• Days of Work:
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes, as required for construction projects
• Salary Range: $35.48 - $52.27 / hourly; $74,082 - $109,139 / 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.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time Engineering Specialist Senior in Rochester, Minnesota. The Engineering Senior position manages and provides senior level, para-professional civil engineering services for the DNR. Surveying, engineering design, project schedule management, project budget tracking, lead direction to project teams, soliciting consultants, and construction management are key duties of this position directed to maintaining agency infrastructure, conservation of natural resources, and providing outdoor recreational opportunities.

This position will serve as a senior engineering staff member providing overall project management on a wide range of departmental projects, across the state of Minnesota. Under limited supervision, applies civil engineering skills to preliminary or final design construction plan development and on-site construction inspections to ensure proper project execution and compliance with department, state, and federal procedures, practices, regulations and standards.

All duties will be performed for multiple geographically separated projects concurrently.

This position has a flexible work arrangement and maybe 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.

• Three (3) years of para-professional engineering experience drafting and designing construction plans.
• Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Design and Drafting, or closely related field may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
• Advanced knowledge of civil engineering design and plan development related to the construction of roads, trails, bridges, campgrounds, parking lots, water and sewer systems, culverts, water control structures, dams, and ecological restoration projects.
• Extensive 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.
• Extensive knowledge of construction, surveying techniques, and topographic mapping, including the preparation of topographic base mapping and geometric alignments.
• Advanced knowledge in computer-aided drafting (CAD).
• Advanced knowledge in operating AutoCAD Civil 3D or similar.
• Communication skills sufficient to work with contractors, other agencies, departmental staff, and other internal / external stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret and analyze data produced by engineering and surveying software and make accurate recommendations to engineers, architects, landscape architects, and project managers.

• Associate's degree in civil engineering technology, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of advanced para-professional engineering experience.

• 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).
• All candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the…