Working Title: Safety Culture Director
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Manager Senior
Agency: Transportation Dept
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Job ID: 95545
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Location: Various
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Telework Eligible: Yes, 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.
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Full/Part Time: Full-Time
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Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
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Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
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Date Posted: 07/15/2026
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Closing Date: 08/04/2026
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Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Managerial
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Division/Unit: Operations Division / Operations Division Admin
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Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
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Days of Work: Monday - Friday
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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
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Classified Status: Classified
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Bargaining Unit/Union: 220 - Manager/Unrep
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FLSA Status: Exempt - Administrative
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Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
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:
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Developing and implementing safety culture innovations across functional groups, districts, and specialty offices through onsite engagement.
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Providing leadership to strengthen psychological safety and promote a consistent, proactive safety culture.
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Maximizing the safety culture budget to support agency-wide safety innovation.
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Collaborating with Emergency Management, Safety & Workers’ Compensation, the Safety Director, and the Assistant Safety Culture Director to integrate safety culture and compliance.
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Working closely with the Safety Leadership Team, Department-wide Safety Committee, Safety Professional Group, and other teams to achieve shared safety outcomes.
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Representing the department on matters related to safety culture advancement, including presenting recommendations to Senior Leadership and other leadership groups.
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Representing the department at national safety conferences, peer reviews, and other safety-focused events.
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Engaging all staff to reinforce their responsibility for personal and team safety and adherence to safe work practices.
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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.
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.
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Leadership: Leadership and motivational skills sufficient to effectively develop alternative approaches to safety policies, programs, and behavior through agency collaboration, innovation, and creativity.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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A bachelor’s or master’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene or closely related field.
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Experience leading or facilitating organizational cultural change initiatives.
- Experience and knowledge of psychological safety in workplace settings.
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:
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SEMA4 Records Check
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Criminal History Check
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Employment Reference Check
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Education/License Verification
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Driver's License Check
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 [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
If you have questions about this position, contact Harry Fitzgerald at [email protected]
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 Harry Fitzgerald at [email protected].
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
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Connection with their coworkers and communities
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Opportunities for personal and professional growth
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.
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
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Diabetes care
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Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
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Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
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Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
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Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
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Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
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Training, classes, and professional development
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Tuition reimbursement
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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)
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A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
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Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
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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 job information line at 651-259-3637 or email
[email protected] and let us know the support you need.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail:
[email protected]; or by calling Janet Miller at 651/366-4720; or using MN Relay 711.
The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.
