Working Title: Project Manager for Construction & Renovation Projects
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job ID : 90590
Location : Apple Valley
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Limited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 12/15/2025
Closing Date : 01/09/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
Division/Unit : Operations/Campus Planning & Management/Planning, Construction & Exhibits/Construction
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift;7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : No
Salary Range: $37.26 - $55.42 / hourly; $77,798 - $115,716 / annually
Job Class Option : Project Management
Classified Status : Unclassified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
End Date : 06/30/2029
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : No
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 is a limited position that will not exceed three (3) years after hire date.
This position directs and manages new capital construction, building addition, renovation, remodeling, and repair/replacement projects through all phases (development, pre-design, design, procurement, construction and occupancy) in support of the Minnesota Zoo's mission to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife. The position is responsible for applying comprehensive and fully integrated professional construction project management knowledge and skills to direct and manage multiple projects simultaneously of variable scale, budget and complexity. The incumbent operates facilities' fleet vehicles around the Zoo campus.
Duties include but are not limited to:
Project Development and Design: Direct and coordinate the development and design of exhibit, infrastructure, construction, and landscape projects, such that the needs of the internal project team is clear and all applicable standards are met.
Project Procurement, Bidding and Coordination: Provide project management, administrative direction and coordination for construction of projects as assigned such that all projects will be completed on time, according to prepared designs and within budget.
Construction Coordination: Act as field project supervisor for projects as assigned so that all projects are completed according to specifications and highest quality projects are effectively, efficiently and completed in a timely manner within budget and in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, construction management standards, and customer needs.
Standards and Plans: Maintain and utilize the Project Management office as the holder of Zoo standards and plans ensuring all plans and documents clearly notate material and supply needs, are easily accessed and available when needed, and kept in accordance with State and Zoo records retention schedules.
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. To ensure accurate evaluation, your resume must clearly describe your experience in the required areas. For each job, include whether it was full-time, part-time, or intermittent/on-call; how many hours per week you worked; and the month and year you started and ended.
Four (4) years of construction project management experience. A Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management may substitute for two (2) years of experience; a PMP certification or relevant Associate's degree may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
Demonstrated ability to manage the design and construction of complex facilities-including buildings with architectural, mechanical, electrical, and structural systems-and to review plans, specifications, estimates, and schedules for accuracy and compliance.
Knowledge of construction methods, trades, materials, and applicable building codes and standards.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects, prioritize work, and respond to competing stakeholder demands.
Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate solutions and prepare and present complex information in written and verbal form.
Proficiency with project-related software, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and drafting or design applications.
Current and valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional credentials such as Architecture, Engineering, or Project Management licensure or certification (e.g., AIA, PE, PMP).
LEED accreditation or demonstrated experience with sustainable design and construction practices.
Seven (7) years of construction project management experience, or equivalent depth of experience in related fields.
Five (5) years of general construction experience in addition to project management experience.
Experience with zoological or animal-care facilities, including knowledge of life support system requirements and operational considerations necessary to protect animal collections.
Advanced proficiency with project-related software, including:
Microsoft Office Suite
Project scheduling software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, or equivalent)
Web-based project management platforms
Blueprint design and drafting software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, or comparable applications)
Demonstrated experience managing high-complexity or highly specialized construction projects, such as public facilities, mechanical-intensive buildings, or multi-disciplinary environments.
Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies, permitting authorities, or inspectors on complex building projects.
Experience developing or evaluating life-cycle cost analyses, value engineering options, and sustainability strategies.
Demonstrated ability to lead diverse project teams, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders in fast-paced or politically complex environments.
Experience working in public-sector, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations, particularly those with complex operational needs or diverse user groups.
Physical Requirements
Ability to respond to emergency issues off hours when required
Ability to climb stairs and ladders, squat, and crouch occasionally
Ability to stand for long periods of time and walk long distances on uneven terrain
Ability to carry and use two-way portable radios to communicate with all zoo staff
Ability to sit at a desk and operate a computer for 6-8 hours per day
Ability to work in an environment that includes both indoor and outdoor work spaces year round, with moderate noise generated by office and air handling equipment
Additional Requirements
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 persons 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.
It is policy of the Minnesota Zoo 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 including fingerprinting
Education Verification
Employment Reference / Records Check
License / Certification 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 careers@state.mn.us . Please indicate what assistance is needed.
