Working Title: Construction Project Manager
Job Class: Planning Director State
Agency: Minnesota Zoological Garden
Job ID : 95966
Location : Apple Valley
Telework Eligible : No
Full/Part Time : Full-Time
Regular/Temporary : Unlimited
Who May Apply : Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted : 08/13/2026
Closing Date : 09/03/2026
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit : Minnesota Zoological Garden / Zoological Gardens-MAPE
Division/Unit : Operations / Planning, Construction & Exhibits
Work Shift/Work Hours : 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M.
Days of Work : Monday - Friday
Travel Required : Yes - Up to 25% of the time
Salary Range: $37.91 - $56.39 / hourly; $79,156 - $117,742 / annually
Job Class Option : Project Management
Classified Status : Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union : 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
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 manages a high volume of smaller-scale facility repair, renovation, and infrastructure projects across the Minnesota Zoo campus. The role serves as the primary project manager for projects requiring outside contractors but not rising to the scale of major capital construction.
The incumbent receives project handoffs from Zoo trades supervisors when work requires specialized contractors or services not available in-house. The position is responsible for developing scopes of work, coordinating procurement processes consistent with State of Minnesota requirements, coordinating contractor access, and communicating operational disruptions across the Zoo campus.
Projects managed by this position are typically high-volume operational projects that generally do not exceed $100,000 in value.
In addition to project delivery, this position will support other campus planning initiatives.
This position supports operations across a large campus environment and requires the employee to travel between multiple buildings and work sites located throughout the campus to perform assigned duties and respond to operational needs. The incumbent must be able to travel between campus locations in a timely and reliable manner to carry out essential job functions. When job duties require the operation of a motor vehicle to access work sites, transport equipment, or respond to service needs, the employee must be able to safely operate a vehicle and possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license.
Small Project Delivery and Contractor Coordination
Facility Condition Assessments (FCA)
Support Total Integrated Facilities Management (TIFM)
Support for Large Capital Projects
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 facility or construction project management experience. A bachelor's degree in architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management may substitute for one (1) year of experience; a PMP certification or relevant Associate's degree may substitute for six (6) months of experience.
Experience with managing multiple simultaneous reactive facility projects from initiation through conclusion.
Knowledge of construction methods, trades, materials, and applicable building codes and standards.
Verbal and written communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to negotiate solutions and prepare and present complex information.
Experience 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 certification (e.g., AIA, PE).
LEED accreditation or demonstrated experience with sustainable design and construction practices.
Seven (7) years of facility or construction project management experience, or equivalent depth of experience in related fields.
Experience working in public-sector, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations particularly those with 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.
Experience leading diverse project teams, contractors, consultants, and stakeholders in fast-paced or politically complex environments.
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 workspaces 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.
