Legal Description Specialist - Engineering Specialist

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Saint-Paul; Hybrid; CAD 93,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is seeking a Legal Description Preparation Specialist to support acquisition and disposition of real property interests for MnDOT projects. You will prepare, review, and approve legal descriptions and act as a technical advisor to staff and district personnel.

The role may offer a hybrid schedule with telework arrangements and requires passing background checks and adherence to MnDOT policies and supervisory guidance.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience applying Minnesota laws and surveying to legal descriptions.
• Experience applying land surveying principles to the Public Land Survey System.
• Experience writing and preparing documentation for legal descriptions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and approve legal descriptions used for the acquisition and disposition of real property interests for all MnDOT projects.
• Serve as a technical expert advisor to staff in the Legal Descriptions Unit as well as District personnel.

Skills

Minnesota laws

Surveying practices

Legal descriptions

Public Land Survey System

Documentation

Legal drafting

Tools

Open Roads Designer

Job description

• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-MGEC
• Division/Unit: Engineering Services Div / LM Legal Descriptions
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.49 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

• Job ID: 96492
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: All qualified applicants
• Date Posted: 09/09/2026
• Closing Date: 09/29/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-MGEC
• Division/Unit: Engineering Services Div / LM Legal Descriptions
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $32.13 - $47.49 / hourly; $67,087 - $99,159 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers
• Last Incumbent: Joseph Merkl
• Supervisor Name: Fufa Roro
• 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.

ATTENTION APPLICANTS: This position was previously announced from 08/20/2026 to 09/03/2026. This position is being re-announced with revised minimum qualifications, and you will be evaluated using the revised qualifications. Previous applicants do not need to reapply unless they wish to provide new or additional information.

This position is located at Central Office in St. Paul and may have the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule, or work in the office. The incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to work in the office as determined by policy and discussion with their supervisor.

As a Legal Description Preparation Specialist, you will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and approving legal descriptions used for the acquisition and disposition of real property interests for all projects under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation. You will serve as a technical expert advisor to other staff in the Legal Descriptions Unit as well as District personnel and provide accurate, precise decisions that support the Department’s Program Delivery schedule.

• The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Three years of experience at the Transportation Specialist level (or equivalent) that demonstrates:

• Experience applying Minnesota laws and standard surveying practices to legal descriptions.
• Experience applying land surveying principles to the Public Land Survey System.
• Experience writing and preparing documentation for legal descriptions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience analyzing and interpreting Commissioner’s Orders and legal descriptions.
• Experience using CADD (Open Roads Designer (ORD)) standards.

Additional Requirements

** Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check**

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: SEMA4 Records Check, Criminal History Check, Employment Reference Check, Driver’s License Check, and/or Education/License Verification.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Charity Morrow at [e-mail]

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
• Ride the new METRO "Green Line" Light Rail Train to work! The Rice/Capitol Station is located close by.

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• MnDOT Student Loan Reimbursement Program (Visit Student Loan Reimbursement - Policies - MnDOT (state.mn.us) for more information)
• 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 colour 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, colour, 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 Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E‑mail: [e-mail]; or by calling Janet Miller at tel:[phone]; or using MN Relay 711.

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.