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Engineering Specialist Senior

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
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Engineering Specialist Senior
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources

  • Job ID: 91625
  • Location: Brainerd
  • Telework Eligible: Yes, Hybrid
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
  • Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
  • Date Posted: 02/07/2026
  • Closing Date: 02/27/2026
  • Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
  • Division/Unit: Operations Services Division
  • Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
  • Days of Work: Monday - Friday
  • Travel Required: Yes, as required for construction projects
  • Salary Range: $35.48 - $52.27 / hourly; $74,082 - $109,139 / annually
  • Classified Status: Classified
  • Bargaining Unit/Union: 212 - MN Govt Engineers Council/Engineers
  • Supervisor Name: Jeffrey Erickson
  • 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.

Job Summary

 

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking to hire one (1) full-time Engineering Specialist Senior in Brainerd, Minnesota. The Engineering Senior position manages and provides senior level, para-professional civil engineering services for the DNR. Surveying, engineering design, project schedule management, project budget tracking, lead direction to project teams, soliciting consultants, and construction management are key duties of this position directed to maintaining agency infrastructure, conservation of natural resources, and providing outdoor recreational opportunities.

This position will serve as a senior engineering staff member providing overall project management on a wide range of departmental projects, across the state of Minnesota. Under limited supervision, applies civil engineering skills to preliminary or final design construction plan development and on-site construction inspections to ensure proper project execution and compliance with department, state, and federal procedures, practices, regulations and standards. All duties will be performed for multiple geographically separated projects concurrently.  

This position has a flexible work arrangement and maybe eligible to telework on a part-time basis which is subject to change. If approved, the employee would be required to complete an annual telework agreement. 

Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications

Three (3) years of para-professional engineering experience drafting and designing construction plans. An associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Design and Drafting, or closely related field may substitute for six (6) months of experience. 

Advanced knowledge of civil engineering design and plan development related to the construction of roads, trails, bridges, campgrounds, parking lots, water and sewer systems, culverts, water control structures, dams, and ecological restoration projects.

Extensive knowledge of construction practices, materials, and procedures sufficient to conduct inspections of contractor's work, identify compliance with industry standards, and recognize improper work methods and materials.

Extensive knowledge of construction, surveying techniques, and topographic mapping, including the preparation of topographic base mapping and geometric alignments.  

Advanced knowledge in computer-aided drafting (CAD). 

Advanced knowledge in operating AutoCAD Civil 3D or similar. 

Communication skills sufficient to work with contractors, other agencies, departmental staff, and other internal / external stakeholders.

Ability to interpret and analyze data produced by engineering and surveying software and make accurate recommendations to engineers, architects, landscape architects, and project managers. 

Preferred Qualifications

An associate's degree in civil engineering technology, construction management, or a closely related field. 

Five (5) years of advanced para-professional engineering experience. 

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver's license with a clear driving record; per DNR Fleet Policy, only those 18 years of age or older with a valid driver's license may operate equipment and vehicles on behalf of the Agency. 

Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations. 

In compliance with federal law, all person hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H1B status). 

It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components: 

  • Conflict of Interest Review 
  • Criminal History Check
  • Education Verification 
  • Employment Reference / Records Check 
  • License / Certification Verification  

Application Details

 

How to Apply 

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Jeff Erickson at jeff.erickson@state.mn.us or 218-308-2639.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. 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 Rebecca McMillen at rebecca.mcmillen@state.mn.us.

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
  • 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 careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.