State Program Administrator Principal - Bioeconomy Policy Manager

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* Working Title:

Bioeconomy Policy Manager*
* ** Job Class:
State Program Administrator Principal*
* ** Agency:
Minnesota Department of Agriculture*
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** Job ** : 95762

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** Location** :
St. Paul

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** Telework Eligible** :
Yes

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** Full/Part Time** :
Full-Time

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** Regular/Temporary** :
Unlimited

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** Who May Apply** :
This vacancy is open to all bidders and qualified job seekers. Bidders will be considered through 08/03/2026.

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** Date Posted** : 07/28/2026

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** Closing Date** : 08/11/2026

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** Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit** : MN Department of Agriculture

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** Division/Unit** :
Agriculture Marketing and Development (AMDD) / Energy & Environment Staff

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** Work Shift/Work Hours** :
Day shift

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** Days of Work** :
Monday - Friday

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** Travel Required** :
Yes - up to 5%

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** Salary Range:**  $32.97 - $48.60 / hourly; $68,841 - $101,476 / annually

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** Job Class Option** :
Biofuels

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** Classified Status** :
Classified

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** Bargaining Unit/Union** : 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)

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** FLSA Status** :
Exempt - Administrative

+ Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./connect
700/) :
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.

This position exists to advance Minnesota's bioeconomy by serving as a key policy resource for the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). The role provides technical expertise on complex state and federal bioenergy, bioproduct, and biofuel policies, supports the Commissioner's Office through interagency coordination and stakeholder management, identifies emerging opportunities for Minnesota's agricultural sector, advises leadership on policy impacts, and leads initiatives and programs that enhance the value and economic potential of agricultural products.

This position is telework eligible.

** Minimum Qualifications*
* _To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held._

Three years of professional experience working in the areas of energy, climate or agricultural policy or program administration.

* A degree in environmental science, agriculture, biosystems and bioproducts, public policy, political science, or a related degree may be substituted for years of work experience as follows: associate's degree - six months, bachelor's degree - one year, master's degree - 18 months.

Additional required experience includes:

+ Demonstrated knowledge of state legislative processes sufficient to recommend and develop legislative proposals and program budget initiatives.

+ Demonstrated experience in program policy development, implementation and analysis.

+ Demonstrated advanced oral and written communication skills sufficient to deliver presentations to MDA leadership and legislators, craft succinct and accurate briefing documents, and transfer technical/scientific concepts to plain language for dissemination.

+ Interpersonal/human relation skills sufficient to establish effective ongoing relationships with the public, interest groups, MDA staff, and external agency leadership.

+ Demonstrated knowledge of Minnesota statutes and federal laws that apply to MDA programs supporting bioenergy, bioproducts, and biofuels.

+ Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.

+ Ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.

** Preferred Qualifications*
* + Experience working with the development or implementation of biofuels, bioproduct, or bioenergy related government rules, statutes, or policy.

+ Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and crafting policy solutions based on stakeholder input and collaboration.

+ More than three years of experience working with the Minnesota legislature on issues related to bioenergy, bioproducts, and biofuels.

+ Experience in a project management or leadership role related to the bioeconomy including direct experience with strategic planning, work plans, and budgeting.

** Additional Requirements*
* A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

+ SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)

+ Employment Reference Check

+ Conflict of Interest Review

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