Planning Director Transportation

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Detroit Lakes (MN); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) invites applications for Planning Director Transportation in District 4, Detroit Lakes/Morris. This role leads development and coordination of transportation plans and investment programs, guiding major efforts like the STIP and CHIP and serving as the district's main contact for cities, counties, and regional partners.

You will supervise the district planning team, provide direction and leadership, and ensure district plans align with statewide

Qualifications

• Three years of professional supervisory experience or four years of advanced professional transportation planning experience.
• Experience leading projects and directing the work of professional staff in transportation planning.
• Budget analysis experience to oversee program budgets.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state transportation planning legislation, regulations, and guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and coordination of transportation plans and investment programs for MnDOT’s District 4.
• Guide major planning efforts such as the STIP, CHIP, planning studies, and the State Road Construction budget.
• Serve as district’s main point of contact for cities, counties, tribal governments, and regional partners.
• Supervise planning team, provide direction, coaching, and leadership.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Project leadership

Budget analysis

Transportation planning knowledge

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning or related field

Job description

Working Title: Planning Director Transportation

Job Class: Planning Director Transportation

Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 97966
• Location: Detroit Lakes or Morris
• Telework Eligible: Yes, this position has flexibility to work a hybrid telework schedule or work in the office. 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 as business needs dictate.
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/31/2026
• Closing Date: 11/06/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-MMA
• Division/Unit: District 4 - Detroit Lakes / D4 Planning
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $41.81 - $60.10 / hourly; $87,299 - $125,488 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 216 - Middle Management Association/MMA
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Executive
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

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 leads the development and coordination of transportation plans and investment programs for MnDOT’s District 4. You’ll guide major planning efforts such as the STIP, CHIP, planning studies, and the State Road Construction budget, and serve as the district’s main point of contact for cities, counties, tribal governments, regional partners, and other external stakeholders on planning-related topics.

You’ll ensure that all district transportation plans (including highways, transit, freight, bicycle, and pedestrian systems) work together and align with MnDOT’s statewide goals, strategies, and regulatory requirements. A key part of the job is supporting and supervising the MnDOT’s District 4 planning team by providing direction, coaching, and leadership.

As a member of the Planning Management Group (PMG), you will help guide State and District Planning efforts to deliver programs effectively and meet the needs of the people and communities we serve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Three years of professional supervisory (supervising professional employees) experience OR four years of advanced professional transportation planning experience.

Experience Must Also Demonstrate The Following

• Experience working as a project leader or lead worker, demonstrating the ability to successfully motivate and direct the work of other professional staff in transportation programming, planning, urban planning or close-related policy analysis.
• Experience using programming/planning principles and practices sufficient to coordinate transportation planning processes.
• Budget analysis experience sufficient to oversee the program budget.
• Extensive knowledge of federal and state transportation planning legislation, regulations, and guidelines.

Note: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Planning, Geography, Urban Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Public Policy substitutes for six months of advanced professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising or directing professional staff in transportation planning and program management.
• Experience with fiscal management of large, complex budgets (State Road Construction).
• Knowledge of transportation engineering principles, the Minnesota construction industry, and MnDOT standards, policies, and programs.
• Experience leading public outreach efforts with multifunctional work groups for district and statewide short- and long-range planning, including demonstrated ability to effectively engage the public.

Additional Requirements

This position requires successful completion of the following:

Reference/Background Checks

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

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alicia Isakson at [e-mail] or 218-849-9366.

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 Alicia Isakson 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 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 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.

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