State Program Administrator - State Volunteer Firefighter; SVF) Program Specialist

• Job : 96560
• Location
  :
  St. Paul
• Full/Part Time
  :
  Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary
  :
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply
  :
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted
  : 09/02/2026
• Closing Date
  : 09/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit
  :
  Public Employees Retire Association / Public Employ Retire Assoc-MAPE
• Division/Unit
  :
  Adm Employer Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours
  :
  Day Shift
• Days of Work
  :
  Monday - Friday
• Travel Required
  :
  No
• Salary Range: $24.40 - $35.30 / hourly; $50,947 - $73,706 / annually
• Classified Status
  :
  Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union
  : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

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 Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) is seeking a detail-oriented and service-focused professional to administer the Statewide Volunteer Firefighter (SVF) Plan, serving fire departments and volunteer firefighters throughout Minnesota. In this role, you will help ensure the accurate administration of retirement benefits while supporting compliance with pension law, reporting standards, and tax requirements.

You will serve as a primary resource for fire chiefs, governing body representatives, and other stakeholders by providing guidance on program requirements, reporting obligations, and plan administration. The position reviews and analyzes information submitted by participating organizations, applies applicable statutes, policies, and procedures, resolves issues, and makes determinations that support the effective administration of the plan.

This role requires strong analytical, organizational, and customer service skills to collect, evaluate, and maintain program data; monitor compliance; prepare reports and correspondence; and communicate complex program requirements in a clear and understandable manner. You will build collaborative relationships with stakeholders across the state while helping ensure participating organizations understand their responsibilities and meet program requirements.

The successful candidate is a proactive problem solver who can manage multiple priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and provide exceptional service while supporting the retirement security of Minnesota's volunteer firefighters. If you are passionate about public service, program administration, compliance, and stakeholder engagement, we encourage you to apply.

This position is telework eligible and offers a hybrid work schedule, based on agency and department needs. Scheduled in-office workdays will be at the PERA office, 60 Empire Drive, Suite 200, St. Paul, Minnesota.

• Candidates residing in Minnesota within 50 miles of our St Paul office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.

• Candidates residing in Minnesota and more than 50 miles from our office may be eligible to telework more than 50%.

• Candidates residing in a bordering state within 50 miles of our office may be eligible to telework up to 50%.

• Candidates who do not reside in Minnesota or within 50 miles of the office in a state bordering Minnesota are not eligible to be hired, unless planning to relocate within 50 miles of the office or report to the office full time.

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed below and indicates the beginning and ending day, month,…