Construction Project Manager

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Apple Valley (CA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Zoo is seeking a Construction Project Manager for our Operations / Planning, Construction & Exhibits division. You will manage high-volume, smaller-scale facility repair, renovation, and infrastructure projects across the Zoo campus, coordinating outside contractors when needed.

You will develop scopes of work, coordinate procurement with State of Minnesota requirements, and communicate operational impacts across the campus.

Qualifications

• Four years of facility or construction project management experience.
• Experience managing multiple simultaneous reactive facility projects from initiation through to conclusion.
• Knowledge of construction methods, trades, materials, and applicable building codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Small Project Delivery and Contractor Coordination
• Facility Condition Assessments (FCA)
• Support Total Integrated Facilities Management (TIFM)
• Support for Large Capital Projects
• Assist with campus planning initiatives

Skills

Project management

Communication

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in Architecture / Engineering / Construction Management

Tools

Office software

Job description

• Telework Eligible: No
• Education Verification
• License / Certification Verification

Working Title: Construction Project Manager

Job Class: Planning Director State

Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden

• Job ID: 95966
• Location: Apple Valley
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/13/2026
• Closing Date: 09/03/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Operations / Planning, Construction & Exhibits
• Work Shift/Work Hours: 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
• Job Class Option: Project Management
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
• 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.

This position manages a high volume of smaller‑scale facility repair, renovation, and infrastructure projects across the Minnesota Zoo campus. The role serves as the primary project manager for projects requiring outside contractors but not rising to the scale of major capital construction.

The incumbent receives project handoffs from Zoo trades supervisors when work requires specialized contractors or services not available in‑house. The position is responsible for developing scopes of work, coordinating procurement processes consistent with State of Minnesota requirements, coordinating contractor access, and communicating operational disruptions across the Zoo campus.

Projects managed by this position are typically high‑volume operational projects that generally do not exceed $100,000 in value.

In addition to project delivery, this position will support other campus planning initiatives.

This position supports operations across a large campus environment and requires the employee to travel between multiple buildings and work sites located throughout the campus to perform assigned duties and respond to operational needs. The incumbent must be able to travel between campus locations in a timely and reliable manner to carry out essential job functions. When job duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to access work sites, transport equipment, or respond to service needs, the employee must be able to safely operate a vehicle and possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license.

• Small Project Delivery and Contractor Coordination
• Facility Condition Assessments (FCA)
• Support Total Integrated Facilities Management (TIFM)
• Support for Large Capital Projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of facility or construction project management experience. A bachelor's degree in architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a PMP certification or relevant Associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
• Experience with managing multiple simultaneous reactive facility projects from initiation through conclusion.
• Knowledge of construction methods, trades, materials, and applicable building codes and standards.
• Verbal and written communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate solutions and prepare and present complex information.
• Experience with project-related software, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and drafting or design applications.
• Current and valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional credentials such as Architecture, Engineering, or certification (e.g., AIA, PE).
• LEED accreditation or demonstrated experience with sustainable design and construction practices.
• Seven (7) years of facility or construction project management experience, or equivalent depth of experience in related fields.
• Experience working in public‑sector, nonprofit, or mission‑driven organizations particularly those with high‑complexity or highly specialized construction projects, such as public facilities, mechanical‑intensive buildings, or multi‑disciplinary environments.
• Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, permitting authorities, or inspectors on complex building projects.
• Experience developing or evaluating life‑cycle cost analyses, value engineering options, and sustainability strategies.
• Experience leading diverse project teams, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders in fast‑paced or politically complex environments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to respond to emergency issues off hours when required
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, squat, and crouch occasionally
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain
• Ability to carry and use two‑way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff
• Ability to sit at a desk and operate a computer for 6-8 hours per day
• Ability to work in an environment that includes both indoor and outdoor workspaces year‑round, with moderate noise generated by office and air handling equipment

Additional Requirements

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.

It Is Policy Of The Minnesota Zoo 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 including fingerprinting
• Education Verification
• Employment Reference / Records Check
• License / Certification Verification

About Minnesota Zoological Garden

Created by the State of Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo opened in 1978 with a mission to connect people, animals, and the natural world to save wildlife. Cutting‑edge exhibits provide exciting experiences with animals and their habitats introducing guests to species from around the globe. Education programs engage audiences at the Zoo, throughout the region, and around world. Conservation programs protect endangered species and preserve critical ecosystems.

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

• 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 [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.