Transportation Specialist

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Hybrid schedule

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation in St. Paul seeks a Transportation Specialist - Legal Descriptions to prepare legal descriptions for property acquisitions and dispositions for DOT projects, review maps, and advise staff.

This full-time, nonexempt role offers telework eligibility and a hybrid schedule; English proficiency and at least four years of right‑of‑way experience are required.

Qualifications

• Four years of right-of-way or related experience.
• OR three years of experience with an additional year in surveys, design, road maintenance, materials/soils, permits, etc.
• Working knowledge of English for reading, writing, speaking, and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing legal descriptions for acquisition and disposition of real property interests for DOT projects.
• Review maps and plats for alignment with legal descriptions needs.
• Serve as a technical advisor to staff across districts and the department.

Skills

Right-of-way experience

English proficiency

Legal description writing

Education

Civil or Construction Technology degree

Civil Engineering degree

Job description

Working Title: Transportation Specialist - Legal Descriptions

Job Class: Transportation Specialist

Agency: Transportation Department

• Job ID: 97896
• Location: St. Paul
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/26/2026
• Closing Date: 11/09/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Engineering Services Div / LM Legal Descriptions
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $28.65 - $39.07 / hourly; $59,821 - $81,578 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME
• Work Area: Land Management
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Telework Eligible: 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 Central Office in St. Paul and may have the flexibility to work a hybrid 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.

In this position, you will assist in the preparation of legal descriptions for the acquisition and disposition of real property interests for all projects under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation; review maps and plats with reference to legal descriptions needs; serve as a technical advisor to other staff in the districts and other throughout the department; and provide accurate, precise descriptions that support the Department’s Program Delivery schedule.

• 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

• Four years of experience performing right-of-way or related activities. OR
• Three years of experience performing right of way or related activities, PLUS a combination of one year of related experience in surveys, design, road maintenance, materials/soils, permits, etc.

AND

• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak, and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the public in‑person or via two‑way radio and other electronic devices; and maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Note: A two-year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or the following four-year degrees: Architectural, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience. For education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience, you must submit a copy of your transcripts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous MnDOT experience working as a Laborer, Transportation Associate or Transportation Generalist with documented satisfactory performance.
• Computer‑aided drafting and design (CADD) experience.
• In assessing position qualifications, the Appointing Authority will consider whether the employee has satisfactory performance with no discipline on file.

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, and/or Education/License Verification.

If you have questions about this position, contact Charity Morrow 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

• 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
• Ride the new METRO "Green Line" Light Rail Train to work! The Rice/Capitol Station is located close by.

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