Transportation Specialist - Legal Descriptions

State of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Minnesota Transportation Department is seeking a Transportation Specialist - Legal Descriptions in St. Paul. The role focuses on preparing legal property descriptions for DOT projects and reviewing maps to support land transactions.

Hybrid schedule possible; telework arrangement coordinated with supervisor. Responsibilities include advising staff, ensuring precise descriptions, and supporting the Program Delivery schedule.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience performing right-of-way or related activities.
• 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.
• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak, and understand information and communicate with others.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of legal descriptions for acquisition and disposition of real property interests.
• Review maps and plats with reference to legal descriptions needs.
• Serve as a technical advisor to staff across districts and the department; provide precise descriptions that support the Program Delivery schedule.

Skills

Right-of-way experience

English proficiency

Utilize surveys/design knowledge

Education

Civil or Construction Technology degree

Architectural, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering degree (substitution)

Tools

CADD

Job description

• Working Title: Transportation Specialist - Legal Descriptions
• Job Class: Transportation Specialist
• Agency: Transportation Department
• Job ID : 97896
• Location : St. Paul
• Telework Eligible : Yes
• 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

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.
• 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.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] . Please indicate what assistance is needed.