Design Supervisor - Engineering Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Detroit Lakes (MN); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Transportation in Detroit Lakes, MN, seeks a Design Supervisor- Engineering Specialist Senior. The role leads civil engineering design teams, provides technical direction, and ensures design quality and compliance with state/federal standards.

Telework up to 2 days weekly, with in-office presence as required by policy. The position requires strong leadership and knowledge of highway design processes, including 3-D modeling and corridor modeling.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of advanced para-engineering experience at the Engineering Specialist level.

Responsibilities

• Provide civil engineering leadership and technical guidance to transportation design personnel.
• Ensure high QA/QC standards for design processes and project delivery.
• Review construction plans to ensure compliance with MnDOT policies and standards.

Skills

Geometric design

3-D design

Leadership

QA/QC

Tools

OpenRoads Designer

Corridor Modeling

MicroStation

Geopak

Job description

• Last Incumbent: Rose Perry
• Education/License Verification

• Last Incumbent: Rose Perry
• Job ID: 94301
• Location: Detroit Lakes
• Telework Eligible: Yes, this position is located at the Detroit Lakes Headquarters and has the flexibility to telework up to 2 days per week or work in the office every day. 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.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/15/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 4-MGEC
• Division/Unit: District 4 - Detroit Lakes / D-4 Design
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $36.10 - $53.18 / hourly; $75,377 - $111,040 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers
• Supervisor Name: Amanda Ellingson
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Design Supervisor- Engineering Specialist Senior

Job Class: Engineering Specialist Senior

Agency: Transportation Dept

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 Design Supervisor position exists to provide civil engineering leadership, technical guidance and apply engineering skills to ensure all the delivery of programmed design projects. Responsible for overall design quality by maintaining appropriate QA/QC for the design process, assure technical competency of staff, project assignments and establish a high level of technical competence across the staff. Provide technical direction and guidance to assist District 4 Project Managers and Engineers in the Design portion of the projects. Review detailed construction plans to ensure proper program execution and compliance with MnDOT, state and federal procedures, practices, regulations, and standards.

Please note

This position is located at the Detroit Lakes Headquarters and has the flexibility to telework up to 2 days per week or work in the office every day. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, Engineering Specialist Senior applicants must meet all the following:

Three (3) years of advanced para-engineering experience at the Engineering Specialist level (or equivalent) that demonstrates all the following:

• Demonstrated knowledge of design processes and procedures, including geometric design standards, policies, and concepts; geometric layouts; and the content and organization of construction plans related to the development and design of highway transportation projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge in working with 3-D Design processes and procedures which include Corridor Modeling for construction plan preparation; and
• Leadership skills and experience sufficient to provide technical expertise and guidance to transportation design personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with OpenRoads Designer, Corridor Modeling and other design/project management software.
• MnDOT Utility Accommodation and Cooperative Agreement Policies.
• Demonstrated knowledge with MicroStation, Geopak, Corridor Modeling and/or other design/project management software sufficient to problem solve, guide and train MnDOT users in plan preparation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of MnDOT Policies, Procedures, Highway Project Development Process (HPDP) including scoping documents and environmental documentation, State and Federal laws and statutory and regulatory requirements.

Additional Requirements

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

• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Education/License Verification
• Driver's License Check

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Lori Bakken at [e-mail].

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Lori Bakken 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

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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

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.

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