Online Auction Specialist- State Program Administrator Intermediate

Minnesota Department of Administration; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Department of Administration is seeking an Online Auction Specialist to manage the state surplus program, oversee MNBid software, and support auction operations. The role includes training staff and guiding external users, with a focus on fair bidding and timely payments.

Located in Arden Hills, MN, the position requires occasional travel up to 5% and may include Saturday work to support auctions. This is a full-time onsite role with physical movement of surplus items.

Qualifications

• One year of experience in auction operations or related field.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with computing systems and business applications.
• Ability to analyze material specifications.
• Effective communication and customer service skills.
• Interpersonal skills to work with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and support the surplus property software applications used by MNBid.
• Provide information for managerial decision-making and answer inquiries about auction items.
• Ensure fair bidding practices and process payments for auctioned items.
• Serve as backup to the Auction Manager in their absence.
• Train and guide internal and external users of the surplus property system.

Skills

Auction operations

Time management

Communication

Customer service

Interpersonal skills

Training ability

Tools

Office equipment

Job description

• 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
• 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

Job Summary

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

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applicants whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

• 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 ccase 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.