Contract Officer Senior - State Prog Admin Sr

State of Minnesota; Grand Rapids (MN); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

The State of Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources is seeking a full-time Regional Services Contract Officer Senior to manage procurement for construction and service contracts in Grand Rapids, MN. This role leads the contract lifecycle from bidding to closeout and guides staff and vendors on procurement standards.

Responsibilities include policy-driven contract development, oversight, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure compliance with DOA, MMB, and state statutes.

Qualifications

• Three years of professional level experience developing and administering construction and service contracts.
• Bachelor's degree may substitute for one year of experience.
• Experience with informal and formal competitive bidding and contract administration.
• Experience in writing and executing construction and service contracts.
• Knowledge of state procurement statutes, laws, and policies.
• Ability to analyze procurement terms, bid results, and contract documents.
• Communication skills to interact with management, staff, and contractors.
• Ability to prioritize work and manage multiple complex projects.
• Experience in developing and implementing training for management and staff.

Responsibilities

• Manage the contracting process for bidding and contracting of service and construction projects.
• Develop and process contracts ensuring no conflicts of interest and alignment with DNR mission.
• Provide oversight, guidance, and training to staff on contract services.
• Manage centralized contracts filing system per retention guidelines.
• Serve as backup to Regional Service Supervisor in contracting processes.

Skills

Contract management

Procurement reasoning

Contract policy interpretation

Communication skills

Time management

Training development

Attention to detail

Leadership potential

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Admin, Finance or related

Tools

SWIFT

Job description

Working Title : Regional Services Contract Officer Senior
Job Class: State Program Admin, Sr.
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

• Job ID: 96819
• Location: Grand Rapids
• Telework Eligible: Yes, up to 50%
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/17/2026
• Closing Date: 10/07/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Operations Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No

Salary Range: $28.75 - $42.16 / hourly; $59,007 - $86,506 / annually

• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit: 214- Minnesota Association of Professional Employees/MAPE

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.

Job Summary

The DNR is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Regional Services Contract Officer Senior position in the Office of Management and Budget services in Grand Rapids, MN. This position exists to administer the agency contracting processes for construction and service contracts, under the leadership of the OMBS Regional Service Supervisor.

The Senior Contract Officer independently performs advanced professional procurement and contracting work for the State of Minnesota. This position is responsible for developing, soliciting, administering, and monitoring complex service and construction contracts in accordance with applicable state statutes, policies, procedures, and procurement requirements. This work includes managing the full contract lifecycle from bidding to award, payment, and final closeout. The Senior Contract Officer provides technical expertise and guidance to all levels of agency staff and vendors; resolves complex contracting issues; ensures procurements are conducted fairly, transparently, and in the best interest of the State; and supports consistent, and efficient contracting practices. The position may also provide leadership, training, and technical direction to other contract staff and serve as a subject matter expert on procurement and contracting matters. This position may evaluate, review, and approve or reject contract submissions by Department contract officers for compliance with Department of Administration standards, with state and federal regulations and/or procedures and DNR policy. This position is responsible for assisting with evaluation and writing of contract policy and procedures for agency implementation may be the representative of the agency for construction and services contract management issues in the absence of the Regional Service Supervisor.

Responsibilities include:

• Manage the construction and services contracting process so that all phases of the bidding and contracting process for service, maintenance, repair, resource development, remodeling and construction meet the requirements set by the Department, Department of Administration's (DOA) Office of State Procurement (OSP), Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), and Minn. State Statutes.
• Develop and process construction and service contracts for the DNR. Ensure that conflicts of interest do not arise, and that all contracts support the DNR mission.
• Provide oversight, advice, technical assistance, and direction and training to DNR staff to obtain, maintain and execute contract services so that all legal requirements and the needs of the Department are met.
• Manage record keeping of the centralized contracts filing system according to the Record Retention guidelines established by the DNR, DOA, and MMB.
• Serve as a backup to the Regional Service Supervisor in managing the DNR contracting process.

This position may be 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.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Three (3) yearsof professional level experience developing and administering construction and service contracts.
  • A bachelor's degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or closely related field may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
• Experience with informal and formal competitive bidding to include creation of solicitation specifications, contract administration, and policy interpretation in a public or private sector setting.
• Experience in writing and executing construction and service contracts in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of state statutes, laws, and policies/procedures pertaining to procurement.
• Ability to analyze and interpret procurement terms and conditions, bid results, contract forms and legal documents related to contract and bid administration, such as bonding and insurance.
• Ability to comprehend and apply knowledge of laws, ordinances, rule, regulations, and procedures governing procurement.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate effectively with agency management, staff, and contractors.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage time and work on multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Experience in developing and implementing/conducting training for management and staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• A bachelor's or advanced degree in Accounting, Business Administration, Finance, or closely related field
• Office of State Procurement Authority for Local Purchase (ALP) certification at the $25,000 or higher level.
• Knowledge of current state financial management system (SWIFT) sufficient to create, post and award SWIFT Events, create and modify contracts, and create and monitor encumbrances
• Strong organizational skills sufficient to monitor, manage, and administer multiple construction and services contracts throughout all stages of the process
• Experience working in State of MN construction and services contracting, including Dept of Administration procurement policies and procedures.
• Experience in training and educating staff on procurement, construction and services policies and procedures.

Additional Requirements

No driving duties are required.

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).

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at [e-mail]. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, please contact Sarah Neisen 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

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

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.