Working Title: Safety Culture Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: Transportation Dept
Job ID : 95545
Location : Various
Telework Eligible : Yes, t his position may be located at any of the following MnDOT locations: Duluth, Bemidji, Baxter or St. Cloud, Detroit Lakes or Moorhead, Rochester, Windom or Mankato, Willmar, Roseville or St. Paul. The position may work a hybrid schedule or work in the office pursuant to policy requirements. If working a hybrid schedule, 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.
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 07/15/2026
Closing Date : 08/04/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Transportation Dept / Transportation-Managerial
Division/Unit : Operations Division / Operations Division Admin
Work Shift/Work Hours : Day Shift
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes, regular in-state travel is required (approx. 30-40% of the time) and may include overnight stays. Occasional out-of-state travel (typically 2-4 times per year) is required for attendance at meetings, conferences, etc. and may include overnight stays.
Salary Range: $44.80 - $64.46 / hourly; $93,542 - $134,592 / annually
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 220 - Manager/Unrep
FLSA Status : Exempt - Administrative
Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities (https://mn.gov/mmb/careers/diverse-workforce/people-with-disabilities/connect700/) : 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 may be located at any of the following MnDOT locations: Duluth, Bemidji, Baxter or St. Cloud, Detroit Lakes or Moorhead, Rochester, Windom or Mankato, Willmar, Roseville or St. Paul. The position may work a hybrid schedule or work in the office pursuant to policy requirements. If working a hybrid schedule, 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.
This position is responsible for leading and advancing a progressive, agency-wide safety culture. Responsibilities include:
Developing and implementing safety culture innovations across functional groups, districts, and specialty offices through onsite engagement.
Providing leadership to strengthen psychological safety and promote a consistent, proactive safety culture.
Maximizing the safety culture budget to support agency-wide safety innovation.
Collaborating with Emergency Management, Safety & Workers' Compensation, the Safety Director, and the Assistant Safety Culture Director to integrate safety culture and compliance.
Working closely with the Safety Leadership Team, Department-wide Safety Committee, Safety Professional Group, and other teams to achieve shared safety outcomes.
Representing the department on matters related to safety culture advancement, including presenting recommendations to Senior Leadership and other leadership groups.
Representing the department at national safety conferences, peer reviews, and other safety-focused events.
Engaging all staff to reinforce their responsibility for personal and team safety and adherence to safe work practices.
Supporting managers and supervisors in fully embracing their roles as safety leaders.
Regular in-state travel is required (approx. 30-40% of the time) and may include overnight stays. Occasional out-of-state travel (typically 2-4 times per year) is required for attendance at meetings, conferences, etc. and may include overnight stays.
Minimum Qualifications
Two (2) years of managerial experience OR three (3) years of professional level supervisory OR four years of advanced professional experience leading safety and safety culture efforts in a large organization.
If you meet the above requirements, you must provide a two-page cover letter summarizing your experience in the areas listed below. Attach your cover letter and resume to the online application. Your application will not be considered if you do not submit the required cover letter.
Leadership: Leadership and motivational skills sufficient to effectively develop alternative approaches to safety policies, programs, and behavior through agency collaboration, innovation, and creativity.
Technical: Experience identifying organizational safety issues and applying appropriate solutions and resources; experience interpreting and applying state and federal workplace safety regulations; and experience developing safety culture improvements and innovations.
Policy Development and Budgeting: Budgeting and policy development skills sufficient to identify and secure annual funding needed for safety culture implementation; and to identify potential existing and new funding sources and recommend priorities.
Communications/Human Relations: Experience communicating and engaging with agency staff and leadership to identify and address workplace safety risks and hazards, and report on the progress of safety culture goals; and experience developing department expectations for safe workplace behavior and promoting safety culture strategies and/or innovations.
Preferred Qualifications
A bachelor's or master's degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene or closely related field.
Experience leading or facilitating organizational cultural change initiatives.
Experience and knowledge of psychological safety in workplace settings.
Additional Requirements
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
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.
