Online Auction Specialist - State Program Administrator Intermediate

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Arden Hills (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota, Department of Administration, is seeking an Online Auction Specialist for the Surplus Services unit in Arden Hills. This full-time on-site role manages the MNbid online auction program and supports the auction team across operations, compliance, and customer service.

You will coordinate and oversee auction activities, train staff, respond to inquiries, and ensure fair bidding. Occasional travel up to 5% and weekend auctions may be required.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in auction operations, e-commerce, asset management, retail management, or a closely related field.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to coordinate and schedule items for auction/sale.
• Knowledge of computing systems and other office equipment to maintain business applications.
• Ability to analyze and interpret material specifications.
• Effective communication skills to convey program requirements and conduct trainings.
• Interpersonal, human relations, and customer services skills to effectively work with a variety of customers, stakeholders, and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and assist in the design, development, and implementation of surplus property software applications (MNBid).
• Provide expertise, training, analysis, and guidance for the surplus property management system.
• Communicate and respond to inquiries regarding auction items; ensure fair bidding practices; resolve disputes; process payments.
• Serve as backup to the Auction Manager in their absence.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Job description

• Location: Arden Hills
• Telework Eligible: No

Working Title: Online Auction Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate

Agency: Administration Dept

• Job ID: 97616
• Location: Arden Hills
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/10/2026
• Closing Date: 11/02/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Administration Dept / Administration-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Surplus Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 5%
• Salary Range: $26.12 - $37.91 / hourly; $54,538 - $79,156 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• 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.

Fleet and Surplus Services (FSS) provides support to state agencies, local governments, and other stakeholders/partners. Located in Arden Hills, MN, FSS has two (2) distinct sections/units. Fleet Services leases vehicles to state agencies for official state business. The division's lease program manages vehicle acquisition and disposition, fueling, maintenance, auto insurance, and life-cycle management for more than 2,200 vehicles. Surplus Services assists with the redistribution, reuse, and disposal of state and federal surplus property. Property is redistributed to eligible donees, which includes state and local governments; nonprofit health and educational organizations; programs for low-income, needy, and homeless persons; and other service groups. Surplus also operates the state's auction program, which sells surplus property to the public via live and online auctions, such as MNbid.mn.gov.

This position works in the Surplus Services section/unit.

We are seeking an Online Auction Specialist to assist with the management of all tasks and responsibilities assigned to the State's auction program. In this multifaceted role, you will coordinate and assist in the design, development, and implementation of the surplus property software applications associated with MNBid and provide continuity with the office administrative specialist. You will provide expertise, training, analysis, and guidance for the surplus property management system and its internal and external customers; provide information for managerial decision-making; and communicate and respond to inquiries regarding auction items, ensure fair bidding practices, resolve disputes, and process payments for auctioned items. You will also serve as backup to the Auction Manager in their absence.

This position is full-time onsite/in the office. In addition, traveling of up to 5% to other locations may be required to meet business and customer needs. This position may require work on Saturdays to support auctions when and if in-person auctions are needed.

This position will be required to physically move products, materials, and other surplus items on or around the campus.

Minimum Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience in auction operations, e-commerce, asset management, retail management, or a closely related field.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to coordinate and schedule items for auction/sale.
• Knowledge of computing systems and other office equipment to maintain business applications.
• Ability to analyze and interpret material specifications.
• Effective communication skills to convey program requirements and conduct trainings.
• Interpersonal, human relations, and customer services skills to effectively work with a variety of customers, stakeholders, and vendors.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of state laws and regulations governing the acquisition, transfer, sale, and disposal of state-owned property.
• Knowledge of federal laws and regulations governing the transfer and sale of federal property.
• Knowledge of transportation guidelines, rates, and scheduling procedures.
• Leadership skills to guide and advise team members, customers, and stakeholders of program requirements.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as a member of a team.

Physical Requirements

This position will be required to physically lift, move, and/or transport objects and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance. This position may entail walking, sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, crawling, and using fine motor skills (hands and fingers) for extended periods of time. Repetitive movements will be required to perform word and data processing for extended periods of time. Working conditions in an office environment will primarily be under controlled temperatures. While outdoors, applicants may experience varying weather conditions and fluctuations in temperatures.

In addition, this position will be required to operate a pallet jack or forklift.

Additional Requirements

• Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with acceptable motor vehicle record.
• Must be certified or able to be certified by OSHA standards in forklift operations.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Ly Her at [e-mail] or 651-201-2434.

About The Department Of Administration

The Department of Administration is a core service agency serving the Governor, Legislature, state agencies, local governments, and the public. Our mission is to provide leadership, innovation, solutions, and support to help our partners succeed. To learn more about us, please visit mn.gov/admin.

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 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.