Engineering Specialist Senior

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays

Pension plan

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Transportation invites applications for an Engineering Specialist Senior in Willmar. This role drives State Aid and Federal Aid programs, providing engineering leadership to local transportation partners.

You will coordinate with city, county and MnDOT staff, oversee project scoping through construction, and manage complex partnership agreements in a day shift, Monday–Friday schedule. Background checks apply.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of advanced para-engineering experience at the Engineering Specialist level (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of State Aid rules, regulations and principals of the State Aid Highway System and highway construction plan preparation.
• Experience coordinating project development with multiple agencies including city, county and MnDOT staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction, management, and engineering leadership in the operation of the District’s State Aid and Federal Aid Programs for local transportation partners.
• Serve as the District’s Partnership Agreements Coordinator and Project Manager for the District’s Cooperative Agreements for local transportation partners.

Skills

State Aid rules

Coordination with agencies

Public speaking

Project management

Job description

Working Title: Engineering Specialist Senior

Job Class: Engineering Specialist Senior

• Job ID: 98117
• Location: Willmar
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 8-MGEC
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $36.10 - $53.18 / hourly; $75,376 - $111,039 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Working Title: Engineering Specialist Senior

Job Class: Engineering Specialist Senior

Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 98117
• Location: Willmar
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/30/2026
• Closing Date: 11/13/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 8-MGEC
• Division/Unit: District 8 - Willmar / Planning
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $36.10 - $53.18 / hourly; $75,376 - $111,039 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers
• Last Incumbent: Irene Aguilar
• Supervisor Name: Todd Broadwell
• 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. This position is to support and assist the Assistant District Engineer for State Aid in providing comprehensive direction, management, and engineering leadership in the operation of the District’s State Aid and Federal Aid Programs for local transportation partners. This position also serves as the District’s Partnership Agreements Coordinator and Project Manager for the District’s Cooperative Agreements for local transportation partners

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

• Knowledge of State Aid rules, regulations and principals of the State Aid Highway System and highway construction plan preparation sufficient to carry out the construction approval process.
• Knowledge of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of local, regional and state units of government as it relates to transportation.
• Experience coordinating project development with multiple agencies including city, county and staff from MnDOT functional areas sufficient to balance workload to meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of all phases of program delivery including scoping, preliminary design, final design, and construction.
• Oral and written communication skills, experience in public speaking.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management experience working on city and county federal, state, state aid and turnback projects showing an understanding and proficiency with standards, rules and regulations.
• Technical expertise in MnDOT design standards, specifications, policies and procedures to include: geometric design standards; letting practices; federal regulations and MnDOT specifications.
• Knowledge and experience with the requirements and drafting of construction contracts, change orders, and work orders.

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
• Education/License Verification
• Driver's License Check - A revoked or suspended Driver's License or major violation within the last five (5) years or a combination of minor violations and/or at-fault in the last three (3) years will disqualify a candidate

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

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. MnDOT 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 application 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 651/366-4720; or using MN Relay 711. MnDOT’s Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html