Metro District Engineer - Transportation Assistant Division Director

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule

Pension plan

Paid vacation & sick leave

Job summary

MnDOT is seeking a strategic Metro District Engineer to lead the Metro District, serving eight counties across the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The role sets strategic direction, aligns district and statewide priorities, and drives cost-effective, multimodal transportation projects.

Based in Roseville, MN, this executive role requires strong leadership and relationship-building with legislators and local governments. Hybrid work is available, with telework arranged via the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Professional engineer licensure required in Minnesota (AELSLAGID).
• Three years of executive leadership and managerial experience at district level or five years at assistant level.
• Cover letter detailing leadership, technical, and policy experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead Metro District engineering and maintenance with a strategic vision.
• Set district direction and align with statewide priorities and initiatives.
• Build relationships with legislators, local governments, councils, and communities.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic leadership

Transportation engineering

Team management

Education

PE licensure (AELSLAGID)

Job description

Working Title: Metro District Engineer

Job Class: Transportation Assistant Division Director

• Job ID: 96992
• 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: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Managerial
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $59.86 - $85.63 / hourly; $124,987 - $178,795 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 96992
• Location: Roseville
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• 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: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Managerial
• Division/Unit: Metro / District Staff Metro
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes
• Salary Range: $59.86 - $85.63 / hourly; $124,987 - $178,795 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• 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 located at Metro District in Roseville, MN and has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule or work in the office. If working a hybrid schedule, the incumbent will be required to make a telework arrangement with their supervisor.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is seeking a strategic and forward-thinking engineering executive to lead the Metro District. Serving eight counties across the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, this position offers a unique opportunity to guide one of Minnesota’s most complex and high-impact transportation regions and shape outcomes that affect millions of residents every day. If you are energized by complex systems, regional and statewide influence, and the opportunity to lead transformative transportation work, this role offers a significant platform to make a lasting impact on Minnesota’s future.

As the Metro District Engineer, you will set strategic direction, make high-impact regional decisions, and ensure the district’s multidisciplinary team is strategically organized to operate and maintain safe, reliable, multimodal transportation. This role requires a collaborative, influential leader who excels at building strong relationships with legislators, local governments, the Metropolitan Council, tribal nations, and community stakeholders. You will drive alignment between district goals and statewide priorities, champion continuous improvement, drive innovative project delivery that positions MnDOT for long-term success, and advance cost-effective, customer-centered transportation projects.

The position requires regular travel throughout the Twin Cities, periodic statewide travel including monthly division meetings, and occasional national travel for conferences, training, and meeting with congressional members. Travel may comprise up to 25% of their time, with approximately 10% involving overnight stays.

• 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

Licensure as a professional engineer with the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience, and Interior Design (AELSLAGID). If obtaining licensure through comity, a temporary permit or registration from AELSLAGID must be provided prior to starting employment.

AND

• Three years of executive leadership and managerial experience at the office/division leadership level or equivalent; OR
• Five years of executive leadership and managerial experience at the assistant office/division leadership level or equivalent.

If you meet the above requirements, you must provide a cover letter that clearly summarizes your experience in the areas listed below. Attach your cover letter AND resume to your online application. Applications that are missing the required summary will not be considered.

• Leadership & Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and lead transportation and administration professionals with diverse skill sets in a strong team environment. Demonstrated ability to lead change to align with strategic goals and priorities and achieve results based outcomes.
• Technical: Experience which demonstrates a broad understanding of the technical areas affecting transportation engineering and maintenance activities.
• Fiscal & Human Resources Management: Experience managing fiscal and human resource needs, limitations, and alternatives so that effective use of resources is demonstrated to deliver products and services.
• Policymaking, Strategic Direction & Initiatives: Experience developing and implementing innovative policies, practices and strategic direction and initiatives and substantial knowledge of and experience with the legislative process. Experience guiding teams through operational improvement, enhancing efficiency, fostering innovation and ensuring clear accountability.
• Relationship Building: Demonstrated ability to collaborate and successfully communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders verbally and in writing. Experience working in a political environment where priorities change, public trust must be maintained and effective relationships are built with elected officials, stakeholders, technical staff and the public a high degree of cultural competency.

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, Education/License Verification and/or a drug and alcohol test.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Heather Madigan Clark 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
• 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 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

The 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 AffRanitative 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.

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